nowfound

AI · March 5, 2026

CTRL

The iOS app that helps you actually put your phone down

CTRL launched on March 5, 2026 with 4 votes, #2,516 of 23,380 launches that month and more than 75% of that year's launches.

Visit tryctrl.tech ↗CTRL alternativestop 11% of March 2026

What it does

CTRL is an iOS app for people tired of doom-scrolling and losing hours to their phone. Unlike Screen Time, which is easy to bypass, CTRL uses Apple's Family Controls framework to enforce real limits you actually can't wiggle out of. Set focus sessions, block distracting apps, and track your usage over time. Your attention is your most valuable asset, and you deserve tools that actually protect it. Built by a college student who kept failing his own screen time goals.

CTRL is an iOS app that combats digital addiction using behavioral psychology and anti-dopamine design principles.

CTRL creates a pause between your urge and your action. Using behavioral psychology, we help you get your time, focus, and life back. No willpower required. Most apps fight addiction with willpower. That doesn't work. CTRL uses the same behavioral science that apps use to keep you hooked, but in reverse. We create intentional friction that gives your rational brain time to catch up. We succeed when you put your phone down. You reach for Instagram, TikTok, or your go-to escape. The autopilot kicks in. But this time, something's different. The moment you open Instagram, TikTok, or whatever pulls you in, CTRL intercepts with a breathing pause. Your rational brain catches up before you spiral.…from tryctrl.tech

Does a similar job

all alternatives →
  • Mom ClockJan 2026 · momclock.com · ▲742

    Hi HN, I’ve tried dozens of reminder and habit apps over the years. They’re all polite. Gentle. Easy to ignore. So I built something intentionally different. Mom Clock is a reminder app that behaves more like a strict parent than a productivity coach: – no snoozing – no “later” – optional app blocking using Screen Time APIs The idea came from my own behavior: I don’t need motivation — I need enforcement. This is not for everyone. Some people hate it. Some people love it. I’m genuinely curious where HN stands on this tradeoff: comfort vs. effectiveness. Happy to answer questions about: –…

  • AppBlock2022 · appblock.app · ▲87

    Block apps with one tap and stay focused when it matters

  • Shutout2024 · shutout.app · ▲406

    Lock yourself out of Screen Time & stop doomscrolling.

  • CTRLJun 2026 · ▲4

    Make distraction expensive

  • AppBlocker2022 · play.google.com · ▲73

    Increase productivity and reduce screen time

  • AppBlock - Stay Focused2018 · play.google.com · ▲72

    Set time or locations to block distractions from apps.

More ai this month

the category →
  • Video model that turns script into viral social media videos

    AI · 18d ago · spira.ai

  • The browser where Claude Code and Codex work beside you

    AI · 17d ago · rill.love

  • Kolibri is Aleph Alpha

    AI · 19d ago · tej.as

  • Paintings by AI models: programs run through a simulation of oil paint.

    AI · 21d ago · stillwet.art

  • A real-time world model you can explore and change

    AI · 29d ago · world.pixverse.video

  • Hemory▲381

    Keep listening. Searchable memory for your AI agents.

    AI · 30d ago · hemory.com

Source: Product Hunt launch ↗

Launched alongside, March 2026

the whole month →
  • AI-native CRM that builds itself and does work for you

    AI · Mar 2026 · lightfield.app

  • Tobira.ai▲728

    A network where AI agents find deals for their humans

    AI · Mar 2026 · tobira.ai

  • Switch from ChatGPT to Claude with import memory feature

    AI · Mar 2026 · claude.com

  • Littlebird remembers everything across your meetings, messages, docs, and apps, then takes action so you can recall any detail and never lose context.

    AI · Mar 2026 · littlebird.ai

  • Your AI Coworker that proactively executes tasks

    AI · Mar 2026 · viktor.com

  • Jupid▲659

    File your taxes with Claude Code

    Commerce · Mar 2026 · jupid.com