The only problem I see with this is that you can’t update your app if you disable the App Store. My bank updates its app annoyingly often, with no grace period - which is bad when you’re in a store and need to pay for stuff.

I was looking into doing something similar recently. Thanks for the timely post!

one underrated approach more and more people are finding success with: apple watch ultra as a primary device (optionally with a case for a more phone-like factor)

you can do most things an iphone does, but you can't doom scroll. you don't have to eject out of apple ecosystem, you get payments, 2fa, navigation, notifications. your iphone can remain as a backup that's always in sync for when you need it (e.g. traveling)

> I can only access the apps and websites I want to use

not really a dumb phone is it?

Or just enable Screen Time and ask another person to set up the pin for you. No need to install any software and play with profiles.

> I tried Screen Time but it was too easy to ignore.

My spouse and I set passcodes on each other's Screen Time. Make sure you also check the option to block at end. Problem solved.

I love how we spend hundreds on a computer in our pocket and then spend a large amount of time trying to reduce the amount of value we get out of it.

Is there a way not to loose info on the phone, such as contacts?

I found screentime does work - I activated it for my spouse and only I know the PIN. It limits her social media and YT time to 45m/day.

Better to have a limited data plan like Roamless(data doesn't expire) and stock up on epubs. Then when your away from wifi all you can do is read books.