‘Dumb’ iPhone: High-Cost Strategy to Cut Screen Time by Ditching Internet, Apps, and Social Media

The Sage Phone: A ‘Dumb’ iPhone Alternative to Combat Smartphone Addiction

Struggling with constant screen time? A new device called the Sage phone—a simplified iPhone stripped of internet, browsers, games, and social media apps—aims to help users break free from smartphone addiction. Launched in the UK by U.S. firm Techless, the Sage phone targets both adults seeking a healthier tech balance and families concerned about children’s digital habits.

What Does the Sage Phone Offer?

The Sage phone is a modified iPhone 16 (available in 16e and 16 Pro models) running custom software. It eliminates access to addictive platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook, while retaining "essential" apps:

• Phone, Messages, Maps, Calendar
• PayPal, Spotify, Uber, Camera, and TfL Go (for London transport).

Designed to mirror the simplicity of early mobile phones, it allows users to call, text, navigate, listen to music, and handle basic tasks—without endless scrolling.


Pricing and Audience

While promoting "digital wellbeing," the Sage phone comes at a premium:

• £99.95/month for the iPhone 16e
• £149/month for the Pro model (both include Apple Care).
  An additional one-time setup fee exceeds £100, making it far costlier than standard iPhone contracts.

Techless CEO Chris Kaspar, a father of six, emphasizes the device is “safe by design, not surveillance.” Unlike parental control phones, Sage blocks loopholes to prevent app downloads or resets, ensuring kids can’t bypass restrictions.

Why It Matters: Tackling Smartphone Addiction

The UK launch responds to growing concerns about online safety and mental health. Studies highlight alarming trends:

• Over 7,000 UK online grooming crimes were reported in a year, mostly targeting teens.
• 20% of teens exhibit "problematic" smartphone use linked to anxiety and depression.
• Tech addiction may increase psychosis risk in children.


Is It Really Addiction?

While “smartphone addiction” isn’t officially a medical diagnosis, experts note problematic usage patterns. Professor Mark Griffiths (Nottingham Trent University) distinguishes between habitual overuse and clinical addiction, which mimics substance dependency. However, excessive screen time correlates with sleep disruption, social isolation, and reduced physical activity.

The Bottom Line

The Sage phone offers a minimalist alternative for families and individuals aiming to disconnect from digital noise. Pre-orders are open now, with shipping starting August 25. Whether it’s worth the price depends on how urgently users need a digital detox—and if they’re ready to trade social media for simplicity.


In a world glued to screens, Sage’s gamble is that less tech can mean more life.