Answers
one sec vs Opal vs ByIntent: what is the difference?
Short answer
one sec, Opal, and ByIntent all aim to cut down on mindless app opening, and ByIntent’s approach is to build “pause before opening” and “loosening takes time” into the rules themselves: its shield offers only “Not now” or “Open for N minutes”, and loosening a rule takes 24 hours to take effect. ByIntent’s core features are free forever and its rules, events, and chosen app tokens stay on your iPhone, while for one sec and Opal please check their own App Store pages for features and pricing.
What to compare before you choose
The left column is what ByIntent does and can be checked; the right column is the question worth asking of one sec, Opal, or any similar app, answered by their own store page and privacy policy.
| Item | ByIntent | Ask of other apps |
|---|---|---|
| Before opening | The shield has two options, “Not now” or “Open for N minutes”; “Open” is pressed twice with a 5 to 60 second wait. | What is the pause like, and can it be skipped in one tap? |
| Changing rules | Tightening takes effect immediately; loosening waits 24 hours. | Can I switch limits off the moment I want to? |
| Emergencies | The emergency pass is always there and always free: 5 minutes each, 3 per week by default, and you are never locked out. | Is there a way out when blocked, and does it cost extra? |
| Privacy | Rules, events, and chosen app tokens stay on this iPhone; it cannot read app content or names; no ads. | Where is my data stored, and do I need an account? |
| Cost | Core features free forever; Pro adds all 20 color themes and iCloud sync across devices. | Which features need a subscription? |
Frequently asked questions
What does ByIntent’s pause actually look like?
When you open an app you chose, iOS first covers it with ByIntent’s shield, which has only two options: “Not now” or “Open for N minutes”. “Open” has to be pressed twice: the first press is only recorded, and you press again after a few seconds to get in. The wait runs from 5 to 60 seconds, and it grows longer if you keep reopening the same app within a short time.
Will ByIntent lock me out completely?
No. ByIntent is not a lockdown tool. When your allowance is used up, during off hours, or during a break, the shield shows an “Emergency pass” button; once the weekly passes are used you can still get through, but the wait becomes 2 minutes, then 10, then 30. If you want it stricter, you can turn on Commitment mode yourself; it is off by default.
How much does ByIntent cost?
The core features are free forever: the intent gate, basic allowances, the emergency pass, export, and delete. ByIntent Pro adds all 20 color themes and iCloud sync across devices, eligible new subscribers can try it free for 1 month, and the price is whatever the App Store shows.
Can ByIntent see what I do inside apps?
No. ByIntent cannot read anything inside an app, not even the name of the apps you chose; iOS only hands over an opaque token. Rules, events, and the chosen app tokens stay on this iPhone, and the core blocking features work without the network.
If you want a pause before opening, rules that take time to loosen, and a way out that is always there, get ByIntent on the App Store.