We’ve talked more than once about the pomodoro technique, which is built around intensely focusing on a task for 25 minutes and taking a five minute break. There’s a lot of software out there for the job, but most of them live on only one of your devices.
Not Focus Timer, an indie app that’s been around in various forms for eleven years. The current version works on every Apple platform: Mac, iPhone, iPad, Watch, and even Vision Pro. Your settings—including the current timer—sync via iCloud, all without you having to do much of anything other than install the app on various platforms. It’s very convenient, but it’s not free: The app costs $40 per year for access on all platforms.
Credit: Justin Pot
That’s a lot to pay for a timer, granted, but it is really nice having a Pomodoro timer that follows you everywhere. I, for example, like to get up and walk around the house during my breaks—with this application installed I can start my break on my laptop, get up, and get my “back to work” reminder on my phone.
Credit: Justin Pot
Meaningful Things, the Germany-based four-person team behind the application, offers updates constantly—basically any major Apple feature you can think of is offered. There are versions for Apple Watch and Vision Pro. There’s a live activity for the iPhone app, meaning you’ll see the realtime countdown on your phone’s lock screen as soon as you start a session (even if you start that session on your Mac). There are a variety of widgets available for all platforms. There’s extensive support for Apple Shortcuts. There’s a menu bar icon for the Mac version.
Credit: Justin Pot
I could go on, but basically if you’re the kind of person who likes to take advantage of the latest Apple features, this application has you covered. Focus Timer isn’t going to be the perfect Pomodoro app for everyone—the price alone means some people aren’t going to touch it—but I recommend at least giving the seven-day free trial a shot. It’s rare to find something that works across devices this smoothly.
