Proximity triggering
Most focus apps run on a schedule. Prox goes by where you are: sit near your Mac and Deep Work turns on by itself.
Focus on autopilot.
Sit down near your work Mac and the distracting apps lock themselves. Get up to leave and they come back. There's no timer to set and nothing to tap. Prox works off the Bluetooth signal around you.
Why Prox
The locker that reacts to where you are.
App hiding, not just blocking
Prox doesn't only block apps. It can take them off your home screen and App Library entirely, so you're not tempted by the icon.
Preset focus profiles
Deep Work, Chill, Bedtime, Gym, Family and more. Each one is a ready-made set of what to lock and what to leave open.
Multi-device zones
Register a few devices and rank them. When you're near more than one, the higher-priority zone wins.
Can't cheat by killing Bluetooth
Turn Bluetooth off and Prox switches to its strictest profile, so shutting it off just locks you down harder.
Private by design
Proximity and motion processing stays on your iPhone. Your account is used to sync settings, focus history, and purchases.
Built-in profiles
A mode for every place you go.
Each profile is a preset of what to lock and what to leave open, triggered by a device in that room. Pick one or build your own.
Deep Work Work Mac / desk
Chill Home speaker
Bedtime Bedroom speaker
Gym Gym equipment
Car Mode Car Bluetooth
Family Living-room TV
Study Desk lamp
Stealth Any trigger
How Prox compares
Nobody else does all three.
| Feature | Screen Time | Opal | Freedom | Nearlock | Prox |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth proximity trigger | |||||
| Controls your iPhone's apps | |||||
| Scheduling | |||||
| Siri & Shortcuts control | |||||
| Hides apps from home screen | |||||
| Fully automatic (zero taps) |
"Mac only" means Nearlock locks the Mac itself, not the apps on your iPhone.
Frequently asked questions
Does Prox track my location?
No. Prox never uses GPS. Bluetooth signal strength and motion data used for proximity stay on your iPhone. When you sign in, Prox syncs settings and focus-session records, but not raw Bluetooth, motion, or GPS data.
What can I use as a trigger device?
Almost any Bluetooth device: a MacBook or desktop Mac, a smart TV, a Bluetooth speaker, your car stereo. Strong-signal devices like Macs use precise distance zones. Weaker ones like TVs use presence mode, which triggers when they connect.
Can I just turn Bluetooth off to bypass it?
That's covered. If Bluetooth is off, Prox automatically applies its strictest profile, so switching it off only locks your phone down harder.
Does it work when the app is closed?
Yes. Prox uses background Bluetooth, so iOS wakes it when a registered device connects or disconnects. Restrictions apply and lift even when Prox isn't open.
Can Prox hide apps completely?
Yes. On top of blocking, Prox can take chosen apps off your home screen and App Library while a profile is active, then put them back when you leave the zone.
What do I need to run it?
An iPhone on iOS 18 or later. The first time you open it you grant Bluetooth, Motion, and Screen Time permissions, and the app walks you through each one.