We selected the best apps on the App Store for minimalists.

These apps stand out in their respective categories and collectively promote mindful and purposeful phone use.

Best app blocker

Opal is a well-crafted app for blocking distracting apps and websites.

You can start a timed session when you need to focus or schedule recurring blocks for distractions like social media.

When you want to unblock apps for a short break, you must first wait through a pause screen before accessing the "Take a Break" option. This feature encourages a mindful pause, delaying instant gratification and prompting you to reflect on whether you truly want to take this break.

Finalists

• One Sec — Pause before opening social media

• Brick — Physical device for unblocking distractions

Best for mindful consumption

Particle organizes and summarizes the news with AI.

It eliminates the need to sift through different platforms by bringing together news coverage from multiple sources, giving you an overview and different perspectives in one place.

You can also control your algorithm at any time by adjusting the topics to see more or less of them. Your feed then adapts to bring you the most relevant news.

Finalists

• Instapaper — Save articles for reading

• Play — Save and organize videos for later

Best for boosting focus

Endel offers science-backed soundscapes that support focus, relaxation, and sleep.

It helps set the mood and build a routine that primes your brain for deep work or winding down.

In addition to the variety of soundscapes, it also includes helpful tools like guided exercises for box breathing, a pomodoro timer, and an app blocker.

Finalists

• FocusFlight — Focus session as a flight

• SyncTasks — To-do app featuring a focus mode

Best for "dumb phone"

Dumb Phone (dp) is a simple text-based app launcher.

Replace colorful app icons with text buttons to open your essential apps and nothing more.

This gives iPhone users a minimalist home screen similar to dedicated devices like the Light Phone without buying a separate phone.

Finalists

• Blank Spaces — Minimal home screen launcher

• Minimalist Phone — Popular Android launcher now on iOS

Best minimalist design

Neuecast is a simple, modern podcast app.

The text-based episode screen is beautifully simple. It's perfect for casual listeners who want a clean experience without the complexity of power-user features.

Finalists

• Clear — Minimalist to-do lists

• Endel — Focus & sleep sounds

Best daily essential

Beeper brings all your chats into a single interface.

It connects to platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Slack, Discord, and others.

This eliminates the need to constantly switch between apps and helps reduce distractions from social media feeds when you just want to check your messages.

Finalists

• Opal — Screen time control

• Particle — Personalized news