Foqos — Foqos is a free, open-source iPhone app blocker that uses NFC tags or QR codes to start and stop focus sessions.
Analyzed by Sai Pavan Gopularam · Productivity · iOS App · View on GitHub
- Stars: 805
- Forks: 138
- Commits last 30 days: 20
- Health: Active (20 commits this month)
- Language: Swift
- License: MIT
What It Is
Foqos is an iPhone app that acts like a digital bouncer for your phone. You set up rules (profiles) for which apps or websites to block during specific times, like work or study. Instead of just tapping a button, you can start or stop these blocks by physically tapping an NFC tag or scanning a QR code, adding a layer of physical commitment to your focus.
This matters because it adds a physical 'friction' to breaking your focus. Unlike software-only blockers that are easy to bypass, Foqos makes you get up and interact with a physical object, making you think twice. It's also completely free, open-source, and privacy-focused, offering a strong alternative to paid subscription services that do similar things.
License Verdict
MIT License — Build and Sell Freely — Commercial Use Approved • No Copyleft Restrictions
The MIT License is highly permissive. You can use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies of the software. You just need to include the original copyright and license notice in your distribution. This makes Foqos an excellent base for commercial products.
How to Use It
To get Foqos running, you can either download it directly from the App Store or build it yourself from source. Building requires Xcode and an Apple Developer account to handle Screen Time and NFC entitlements. Once installed, grant Screen Time access, create a profile, and choose your blocking strategy.
Prerequisites:
- iOS 17.6+
- iPhone with NFC
- Xcode 15.0+
- Swift 5.9+
- Apple Developer account
Estimated setup time: 15 minutes.
git clone https://github.com/awaseem/foqos.git
cd foqos
open foqos.xcodeproj
# (Build from Xcode after setting up entitlements)What I'd Build With This
Custom NFC/QR Focus Kit Creator (micro-saas)
Build a web service that lets users design and order custom-printed NFC tags or QR code stickers pre-configured with deep links to their Foqos profiles. They could choose designs, add text, and specify blocking durations or app groups. You'd handle the printing and shipping, providing a physical product that enhances their Foqos experience. This targets individuals seeking a more personalized and aesthetic productivity setup.
Effort: 1 Week Build Time · Target: Productivity Enthusiasts, Students, Remote Workers · Pricing: $15-$49 per custom kit
Team Focus Orchestrator for iOS (saas)
Develop a SaaS platform that allows small teams or families to manage shared focus profiles and NFC/QR triggers across multiple iOS devices running Foqos. Admins could define 'team focus hours' or 'study blocks' and deploy corresponding NFC tags in a shared office or home environment. The SaaS would provide analytics on focus adherence (anonymized), shared profile templates, and centralized management of physical triggers. This targets small businesses, co-working spaces, or families wanting to coordinate digital well-being.
Effort: 3 Months Build Time · Target: Small Teams, Co-working Spaces, Families · Pricing: $29-$99/month per team
Physical-Digital Workspace Integration (enterprise)
Offer a custom integration service for enterprises to embed Foqos-like physical triggers into their existing office infrastructure. Imagine NFC tags on meeting room doors that trigger 'meeting mode' on employee phones, or QR codes at workstations for 'deep work' sessions. This would involve custom iOS app development based on Foqos, integration with corporate MDM solutions for deployment, and bespoke physical hardware solutions (e.g., NFC readers built into desks). This targets companies focused on employee well-being and productivity in physical office spaces.
Effort: 6 Months Build Time · Target: Large Corporations, Universities, Government · Pricing: $50k+ per project (consulting + custom dev)
Sai Pavan Gopularam's Take
This is a clever open-source solution to a real problem: phone distraction. The physical element with NFC/QR codes adds a unique layer of commitment that software blockers miss. I see a clear path to monetizing this by selling pre-configured, custom-designed NFC tags or QR code kits, easily generating $500-$1000/month from a small niche.
Watch Out For
- iOS-Only: Foqos is built for iOS and leverages Apple's specific APIs (Screen Time, Core NFC). It cannot be easily ported to Android or other platforms, limiting its reach to iPhone users.
- Screen Time API Permissions: The app relies heavily on Screen Time APIs, which require explicit user permission and can sometimes be finicky or have limitations imposed by Apple, potentially affecting reliability or future features.
- Physical Dependency: While a core feature, the reliance on physical NFC tags or QR codes means users need to acquire and manage these physical items, which might be an extra step for some compared to purely software-based solutions.
- Developer Account for Local Build: To build and run Foqos from source, you need an Apple Developer account to handle the necessary Screen Time and NFC entitlements. This adds a barrier for casual contributors or those wanting to self-host without a paid developer account.
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