iPromise

What is iPromise?

iPromise is a Mac productivity app built around single-task focus sessions. Instead of managing a broad to-do list, it asks the user to make a promise to one task, start a timer, and stay with that work while the app monitors focus state and helps catch drift.

The app combines a focus HUD, ambient sound options, an AI Focus Buddy character, and post-session summaries. It is designed for users who want a guided work session on Mac, with session history, streaks, and iCloud sync across Macs.

Key Features

• Single-task focus sessions: choose one task, set a timer, and start with one tap or the Space shortcut.
• Focus HUD: shows focus state during a session and can be docked to the MacBook notch or floated on screen.
• AI Focus Buddy characters: select from characters such as goose, turtle, rabbit, comet, tree, and more; the buddy can step in when focus breaks.
• Ambient sound options: includes sounds such as rain, cafe, forest, and white noise for background work sessions.
• Session Inspector: review a 60-segment focus bar, timeline summaries, overall evaluation, and sharing options after each session.
• Overview and streak tracking: view today’s sessions, focus time, current streak, longest streak, total sessions, and focus-time distribution.
• iCloud sync: sync focus history, summaries, and insights across Macs.
• Privacy controls: screen context is analyzed to detect focus and distraction, while screenshots are kept under the user's control and are not stored by iPromise.

How to Use iPromise

Start by choosing a single task you want to complete, then set a focus timer and begin the session. You can also copy or drag a task in from a to-do app.

During the session, keep an eye on the HUD, use the buddy and ambient sound options as needed, and let the app track whether you stay focused. When the timer ends, review the AI-generated summary and the Session Inspector to see how the session went.

Use Cases

• Individual deep work sessions: useful when you want to reserve a block of time for one task without switching between multiple to-do items.
• Attention tracking during Mac work: helpful for people who want a visible on-screen indicator of focus and distraction while they work.
• Post-session review: useful for users who want a breakdown of focus segments, summaries, and an overall evaluation after each work block.
• Habit building over time: suitable for tracking streaks and total focus sessions to see consistency across days.
• Multi-Mac personal workflow: helpful when someone uses more than one Mac and wants focus history and insights to stay in sync.

FAQ

Does iPromise replace a to-do app? No. The source describes iPromise as a focus buddy that helps you do one chosen task, while to-do apps are for planning and collecting tasks.

Can I use my own AI provider? Yes. The app says you can use your own AI provider and API key.

Are screenshots uploaded or stored by iPromise? No. The listing says screenshots stay under your control, are never stored by iPromise, and are not uploaded. They are used to understand on-screen context during focus.

Does it sync between Macs? Yes. Focus history, summaries, and insights sync across your Macs through iCloud.

What happens after a session ends? The app provides an AI-generated summary of the session and a Session Inspector view with focus segments, timeline summaries, and an overall evaluation.

Alternatives

• Traditional to-do apps: better for collecting, prioritizing, and organizing tasks, but they do not focus on guiding a single work session in real time.
• Timer-based focus apps: similar if you mainly want a timed work block, but they may not include AI-based focus detection, session summaries, or a companion character.
• Ambient sound or Pomodoro tools: useful if you want background audio and structured intervals, though they usually do not analyze on-screen context or produce detailed post-session inspection.
• Manual focus journals or trackers: appropriate if you only need to log work sessions, but they typically require more manual input and offer less in-session guidance.