Another year. Another new version of iOS, that, like previous versions, promises to do more. Some of it is interesting, some of it isn’t, but few expect Apple’s iOS10 to significantly impact the majority of its users’ day to day lives.

May I humbly propose that iOS11 do less.

I recently came across this TEDxTeen talk with over 200k views:

Canada represent!

In her talk, Ann Makosinski (inventor of the hand-powered flashlight and phone-charging mug) describes why she only uses a flip phone, and has no interest in getting a smartphone. She argues that since we are constantly distracted by notifications and addictively checking our smartphones, why not remove the distraction?

This video struck a chord with me, not because I have any plans to get rid of my smartphone, but because it got me imagining what it would be like to have a flip phone again.

It felt liberating.

So an idea sparked: what if I could occasionally, and easily, turn my iPhone into a device with the capability of Ann’s phone?

In other words — how do I turn a smartphone into a flip phone?

I love productivity tools that help me focus, like the Pomodoro Technique, Evernote, and Bullet Journal. Yet, I have never found a good app to help cut down on distractions. There are loads available, but they all have one fatal flaw: they are incredibly easy to disable.

(As an aside, the best solution I’ve found is Forest, which helps you focus by using guilt. Closing the app murders an innocent digital tree, which I sadly have no qualms about.)

The ease at which you can close these apps means that their effectiveness is dependent on your willpower. Trying to focus with a smartphone nearby is like trying to diet with chocolate nearby; you may not give in right away, but you’ll always be conscious of it.