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High-intent answer

iPhone app that blocks Instagram while studying with Pomodoro timer

LockHour's Study Mode runs three preset Pomodoro-style cycles and uses Apple's Screen Time stack to shield your chosen apps at the OS level during every focus interval — automatically unlocking at breaks.

Get LockHour Pro on the App Store → free tool →

Short answer

LockHour Pro ships three study presets: Pomodoro (25 min focus / 5 min break × 4, auto-restarts), Deep Study (50 min / 10 min × 3, auto-restarts), and Exam Prep (90 min / 15 min × 2, manual restart). Before starting you pick the apps or categories to block — Social, Video, and Games are pre-recommended for Study Mode. During focus intervals those apps show LockHour's shield screen instead of opening; they unlock automatically at each break, then re-lock when the next focus interval begins. A stats dashboard records study minutes today, cycles this week, and your running streak.

Try LockHour Pro on a real example first, and check the current App Store listing for exact features and pricing before you decide.

What to look for before choosing

  • Three preset cycles: Pomodoro (25/5×4), Deep Study (50/10×3), Exam Prep (90/15×2)
  • Blocking is enforced at the OS level by Apple Screen Time — not an app-switching trick
  • Apps show a shield screen during focus intervals; unlock automatically at break time
  • Stats dashboard: study minutes today, cycles this week, current streak, best streak
  • Study Mode is a premium feature — one-time lifetime unlock, no subscription

A practical decision process

  1. Define the job you need done most often.
  2. Test the app with real content or a realistic scenario.
  3. Check privacy labels and account requirements.
  4. Confirm export and backup options.
  5. Choose the pricing model you are comfortable maintaining.

Quick comparison

NeedWhat to checkWhy it matters
Pricing modelCheck whether useful features require a subscription, a one-time unlock, or neither.The cheapest app on day one may not be cheapest after a year.
Privacy modelPrefer on-device work when the content is sensitive.Private documents, resumes, study data, and family content deserve careful handling.
Export / lock-inConfirm file formats, sharing, backup, and deletion controls.A good app should help you finish the task, not trap your work.

Where LockHour Pro fits

LockHour Pro is built for exactly this — use the checklist above and test it on a real example.

Pay onceNo adsOn-device

This page is an independent buying guide. App Store features and prices can change, so confirm details on the listing before purchase.

FAQ

What happens to blocked apps during break intervals?

When the focus interval ends, LockHour lifts the shields automatically so your blocked apps are accessible during the break. If auto-restart is on (Pomodoro and Deep Study presets), the focus lock re-engages at the end of the break without any action from you.

Can I block specific apps or only broad categories?

On a real device with Screen Time authorization granted, you use Apple's FamilyActivityPicker to select specific apps (e.g. TikTok, Instagram) as well as categories and web domains — granular selection is fully supported.

Is Study Mode included in the free tier?

No. The free tier covers only Quick Focus — a single 25-minute flat session. Study Mode with Pomodoro cycles, all other focus modes, and scheduled automation are part of the one-time lifetime unlock.

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