Reducing screen time could potentially be achieved with this 'Dumb' iPhone, a device devoid of internet, games, and social media apps, but it carries a premium price tag.
In an era where digital life often leads to chaos, a new solution is emerging for families seeking a more balanced connection. The Sage phone, a modified iPhone 16 loaded with custom software, is now available for pre-order in the UK and will start shipping the week of August 25.
Designed by American technology firm Techless, the Sage phone is built on a foundation of digital wellbeing and simplicity. It comes as two modified iPhone models - the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 Pro, both with Apple Care included. The phone preloads some essential apps such as Phone, Messages, Maps, Calendar, Calculator, PayPal, Spotify, Uber, and the camera app.
The Sage phone aims to help users reclaim important 'life hours' by not allowing downloads of popular addictive apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. This move is in response to growing concerns about smartphone addiction, particularly among children and teens, and its potential links to mental health problems such as depression, emotional isolation, reduced physical inactivity, and poor sleep patterns.
According to Professor Mark Griffiths, a leading expert on internet addiction, most children would not be considered addicted to a smartphone, but they may experience problematic use that has detrimental effects on their life. A study found that one fifth of teens have 'problematic' smartphone use, putting them at risk of such issues. Another study even found children addicted to technology, including smartphones and video games, are more at risk of psychosis.
The Sage phone's UK launch coincides with increasing concerns surrounding online safety and smartphone addiction for kids and teens. With more than 7,000 online grooming crimes recorded in the UK in a single year, mostly victims aged 12 to 15, the need for a solution like the Sage phone becomes increasingly apparent.
The Sage phone only preloads pre-vetted safe apps, but specific additional apps beyond the essential ones like messages and music are not listed in the available information. However, it is clear that the Sage phone encourages users to turn their attention elsewhere and promote a healthier digital lifestyle.
The Sage phone starts at £99.95 per month for the iPhone 16e and £149.95 per month for the iPhone 16 Pro, both with Apple Care included. This price is more than double the cost of a typical two-year iPhone contract, reflecting the additional security and digital wellbeing features it offers.
As smartphone addiction becomes more common around the world, with rates as high as 70% in countries such as China and Saudi Arabia, the Sage phone offers a promising solution for families seeking to maintain a balance between digital and real-life connections.
- The Sage phone, developed by Techless, is designed with a focus on digital wellbeing and simplified usage, offering a solution for families striving for a balanced connection in the digital age.
- Unique among modified iPhones, the Sage phone preloads essential apps, while barring the download of popular apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, addressing growing concerns about smartphone addiction and its impact on mental health.
- The Sage phone's UK launch coincides with increasing concerns about online safety and smartphone addiction among kids and teens, offering a potential response to statistics that show more than 7,000 online grooming crimes in the UK annually and the rising prevalence of technology addiction.
- The Sage phone, though relatively expensive compared to typical iPhone contracts, offers additional security and digital wellbeing features, making it an appealing option for families in an era where smartphone addiction rates are high, particularly in countries like China and Saudi Arabia.
