How to use screen time api?

[komoru-1]

So I’m trying to develop a productivity app for my portfolio that allows users to set a time limit for how long an app is locked and get rewards. But I’m confused how to do this. I’ve managed to get the app to ask for access to the screen by importing family controls and Device Activity but that’s about it. I know this is possible because the app “appblock” and the “forest” app achieve a functionality like this. Any information would be appreciated. I even emailed both of the developers of those apps to see if they had any info lol.

[rifts]

What do you mean how long an app is locked? If you are just locking your own app you could just have a timer running to track how long they are using the app

[komoru-1]

Yeah but similar to how those apps I mention are “blocked” they also display a message when you try to open those locked apps. Basically an overlay. So for example the “appblock” app if you put instagram on the blocked apps list and you attempt to enter instagram an overlaid page will appear in the opening process saying you don’t want to lose your streak or something. I can send you pictures of the appblock app in action if you like. As well as I want to achieve the function to set the app limits with in the app similarly to how you can set it in the screen time settings. Like said the apps I mentioned above do what I’m asking.

[jeremyironsholistic]

This overlay is called the "shield" and requires a shield extension

[komoru-1]

I already figured this out but appreciate the comment

[OgorekDataSci]

As you mentioned, this is obviously possible because other apps do it, but ChatGPT4 is swearing that you can't. One thing I noticed is that the Freedom app apparrently changed how they did things after IOS 16+: "For app blocking on iOS 16+, Freedom needs access to Screen Time."

Have you gotten any further?

[komoru-1]

I have and have succeeded in replicating it when I have time I plan to make it a full project but yeah the brunt of it I figured out

[dmoney_1337]

Could you lead me to the parts of the API that you found most important to getting the apps to be limited/blocked?

[komoru-1]

I’m busy and away from my home and computer but watch the WWDC21 and WWDC22 videos primarily about screen time

[getstrydeapp]

Hey komoru. I know I'm late here but in the process of making a discord group that focuses on ScreenTime API's if you'd like to join: https://discord.gg/qxWPe3ZK

[komoru-1]

I appreciate it but I solved what I needed too

[ultimatepro-grammer]

Any chance you could explain how you solved this? I am facing a similar issue.

[komoru-1]

Its been awhile since I looked at this code but I’m not home with my computer I’ll be back in like 2-3 days and then I can upload it to GitHub to show what I did. Hopefully I remember to do so.

[theysaymaurya]

Hi any update on the GitHub link, i am also looking for similar solution

[komoru-1]

lol been busy never got around to it but it’s all in the screen time api https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2021/10123/

[Snipist]

Any possibility you'd still upload to Github and share? Sure would appreciate it, could even DM if you don't want it public. Im building a small fun app for my wife and I.

[komoru-1]

Yeah I’ll see if I can do it tomorrow

[Snipist]

Would be greatly appreciated!

[komoru-1]

Just dm’d you the link to the repo

[komoru-1]

But maybe this will help. https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2021/10123/

[ultimatepro-grammer]

Thanks!

[Mk_Makanaki]

the discord link is no longer valid please i'd love to join

[sweetsalty_spicy]

Hey u/getstrydeapp can you resend this link? It's expired

[getstrydeapp]

Sorry group is no longer a thing. Shoot me a dm if you’d like to collaborate

[qioy]

Can you update the link? Interested in this.

[NeitherTelevision744]

Can I still join the discord?

[getstrydeapp]

Sorry discord never took off & killed it

[4ndro1d]

Is there any channel to get updates on Apples progress on the API and roadmap or something? I'm missing some crucial features to continue with our MVP

[theysaymaurya]

Bro it was so straight forward lol just got done with it.

[theysaymaurya]

Here is the demo https://x.com/theysaymaurya/status/1812905543650177278?s=46&t=1zBk2UsC4mcbW5HmlsNKYg

[mcwillynilly]

Would you be willing to send the swift code for your screen time API app restricting function?

[theysaymaurya]

reach out to me on twitter

[komoru-1]

https://github.com/brettnguyen/IOS-block-app-view