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Show HN: I created an app to remove Reels, now on iOS too (apps.apple.com)
4 points by adrianhacar 36 days ago | hide | past | favorite | 4 comments
Last year I built an Android app to block Reels and Shorts while keeping "healthy" features like stories and DMs. I didn't want to block the whole app. I just wanted to message friends and see their posts without losing an hour scrolling on Reels. This was the HN post for the Android version: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44923520

When people asked for an iOS version, I thought it was not possible. Apple is way more restrictive and doesn't allow that level of app access.

But I ended up building the iOS app using a different approach. On iOS, it uses WebApps. It's not exactly the same experience as the native app, but it works surprisingly well.

I also combined it with iOS Shortcuts to auto-redirect the native apps to WebApps, so I can keep Instagram installed for notifications but get sent to the WebApp without Reels and any feed when I tap.

Curious what you think, especially about the WebApp approach on iOS.



This is really cool. I like your workaround on iOS too. It's what made me click your post because I thought "surely that can't be possible on iOS, right? what's the secret". Appreciate you explaining how you circumvented iOS here!


Thanks! Yeah, iOS is more restrictive, but the webapp workaround works really well.


I think this is amazing, thanks so much for your work. I think i'll use this app to gradually treat my sisters' instagram addiction...

I'd really like if you open source this app


Thanks a lot! If you have any suggestion or feedback, let me know




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