Inspiration
StrictBlock started from a random Reddit post. I had tried so many apps to stop endless scrolling (even digging into system settings), but nothing really worked. After reading a post about how powerful a strict blocking app could be, I thought: why not build it myself.
What it does
StrictBlock keeps you focused by blocking distracting apps during your sessions. You can start a block on the spot or schedule them ahead of time, basically forcing yourself to stay disciplined when you need it most.
How we built it
I built StrictBlock solo, using Swift + SwiftUI + SwiftData. For in-app purchases, I integrated RevenueCat.
Challenges we ran into
The hardest part was definitely the Family Controls API. There’s barely any documentation out there, so a lot of it was trial, error, and persistence until I got it working.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Honestly, just making something that actually helps me (and hopefully others) stay on track feels awesome.
What we learned
I learned a ton about working with new APIs under pressure, building around missing docs, and keeping the app simple but effective.
What's next for StrictBlock
More customization, smarter scheduling, and maybe some insights to show people how much focus time they’re really winning back, and maybe integrate foundation models for smart notifications.
Built With
- swift
- swiftdata
- swiftui

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