Context
Users wanted a simple way to block internet access for specific apps on their iPhone — for focus, privacy or data control — without complicated setup or account creation.
Existing solutions were either too broad (full device VPN), too complex, or required ongoing subscriptions with mandatory sign-up.
Solution
- Built a native iOS app in SwiftUI with a local VPN tunnel that selectively blocks traffic for chosen apps, without routing data through external servers.
- Developed the back-end infrastructure using OpenResty as a DNS-over-HTTPS proxy server, with PHP and Redis for configuration and state management.
- Implemented an automated system for identifying and mapping app hosts, so blocking lists stay accurate as apps update their network endpoints.
- Deployed edge logic on Cloudflare Workers for low-latency DNS resolution and serverless scalability.
- Designed the entire flow to work without account creation — install, select apps, block.
Results
- Reached #1 in Productivity on the App Store.
- Users can block distracting or data-hungry apps in seconds, with no sign-up friction.
- The automated host mapping system keeps blocking accurate without manual maintenance.