Apple Screen Time covers the basics. taskr adds the missing layer: a chore-based, photo-verified workflow that runs entirely on Apple's Family Controls framework.
| Capability | Apple Screen Time | taskr |
|---|---|---|
| Block specific apps | Yes | Yes — per chore |
| Block by category | Yes | Yes — per chore |
| Daily/weekly time limits | Yes | Out of scope (use Screen Time) |
| Downtime / scheduled limits | Yes | Out of scope (use Screen Time) |
| Content & privacy restrictions | Yes | Out of scope (use Screen Time) |
| Block apps when chores are overdue | No | Yes |
| Photo proof of completed chores | No | Yes |
| Parent approval workflow | No | Yes |
| Web filter / content monitoring | Yes (Limit Adult Websites) | No (use Screen Time) |
For the exact Screen Time settings behind step 2, see how to block Roblox, TikTok, and YouTube on iPhone.
Avoid any iPhone parental control app that asks you to jailbreak your child's device. MDM profiles are a different case: some apps, such as OurPact, use one, and it's a route Apple supports, so check what the profile lets the app manage before you install it. Apple's Family Controls is the framework Apple built for consumer parental-control apps, and it's strictly sandboxed. taskr uses Family Controls and nothing else, with no MDM profile. Here's how Family Controls differs from Screen Time.
We also do not read messages or monitor browsing. taskr only manages whether the apps you've designated are blocked or unblocked, based on whether the chore is done.
It depends on what you're trying to control. For content filtering and blanket time limits, Apple's built-in Screen Time is the standard. For chore-based access — apps locking when a task is overdue and unlocking when a parent approves a photo — taskr is purpose-built and runs entirely on Apple's Family Controls framework. Many families use Screen Time and taskr together.
Apps built on Apple's Family Controls API are a safe bet. It's the Apple framework built for consumer parental-control apps, it's sandboxed by iOS, and it requires explicit parent authorization on the child's device. Some apps, such as OurPact, use an MDM (Mobile Device Management) profile instead, a different route Apple also supports; check what the profile lets the app manage before you install it. An app that asks you to jailbreak your child's device is a red flag. taskr uses Family Controls only.
First, set up Apple Family Sharing in Settings → Family. Then go to Settings → Family → tap your child → Screen Time. From there you can configure Downtime, App Limits, Communication Limits, and Content & Privacy Restrictions. To add a chore-based layer (apps lock when chores are overdue, unlock on parent approval), install taskr.
Yes. Apple Screen Time → App Limits lets you set time limits or full blocks for specific apps or categories. taskr layers on top so the block fires automatically based on whether a chore is done.
Apple Screen Time provides a weekly activity report (apps used, pickups, notifications). taskr does not surveil what apps your kids open — it only manages whether the apps you've designated are blocked or unblocked, based on chore status.
taskr is not a content monitoring tool. It does not read messages or scan social media. It is purely a chore-and-screen-time enforcement app. If you need behavior-based access control without surveillance, taskr is a fit.
Free on the App Store. Works alongside Apple Screen Time.