PausePace

For Mac, iPhone and Apple Watch

Break reminders that wait until you hang up.

A menu-bar app for Mac that holds your break until the call or the slide is done. Also on iPhone and Apple Watch.

Never asks for Microphone, Camera, Screen Recording or Accessibility access.

Free TestFlight beta this winter · App Store in January 2027

Waits for a good moment

Most break reminders interrupt you mid-sentence. PausePace waits.

  1. Work as usual

    It runs quietly in the menu bar and counts your screen time.

  2. It waits for a good moment

    A pause in your typing, a switch between apps, the end of a call, video or presentation.

  3. Look away

    A short break card appears. End it on your Mac, iPhone or Apple Watch.

  • Calls
  • Videos
  • Presentations
  • Fast typing

Privacy you can check

No account. No analytics in the app. Everything stays on your devices.

To tell that you're on a call, it reads the system's yes/no signal that a camera or microphone is in use — never audio or video.

Never asks for

  • Microphone
  • Camera
  • Screen Recording
  • Accessibility

May ask for

  • Notifications — optional, for break alerts
  • Calendar — only if you turn on calendar heads-up (Pro); reads times only
  • Local Network — only when you pair an iPhone

After installing, open System Settings → Privacy & Security: PausePace isn't in the Microphone, Camera, Screen Recording or Accessibility lists.

Mac, iPhone, Apple Watch

Mac

The timing that knows you're busy: waits for calls, videos, presentations and fast typing.

iPhone

A break timer with reminders on its own. With your Mac, it shows the break status and lets you start or snooze a break.

Apple Watch

Your next break at a glance, and a gentle tap on your wrist with each break reminder from your iPhone.

PausePace at a glance

What it is
A break reminder app
Platforms
Mac (macOS 14+), iPhone (iOS 17+), Apple Watch (watchOS 10+); the iPhone app also works without a Mac
Smart timing (Mac)
Waits for a typing pause, an app switch, or the end of a call, video or presentation
Never asks for
Microphone, Camera, Screen Recording, Accessibility
Price
Free, with an optional Pro upgrade
Languages
13
Made by
Xin Li, an independent developer (this website is operated by Astraflare Limited, Hong Kong)
Availability
TestFlight beta this winter; App Store in January 2027

Questions

When can I get it?

A free TestFlight beta opens this winter. The App Store launch is planned for January 2027. Join the list and we'll send you one email when each is ready.

Does PausePace need microphone access?

No. It never asks for Microphone, Camera, Screen Recording or Accessibility access. It only checks whether a mic or camera is in use — a yes/no system signal — never what they hear or see.

Does it pause during Zoom or Teams calls?

Yes. On the Mac, PausePace holds a break while a call, video or presentation is going on, and starts it after you hang up.

Do I need a Mac?

No. Choose “Use on this iPhone” for a simple break timer with reminders. Pairing with a Mac adds the smart timing.

Is it free?

Yes. Break reminders, the iPhone and Apple Watch apps, widgets and Shortcuts are free with no time limit. An optional Pro upgrade adds a weekly tune-up, calendar heads-up and longer history.

Windows or Android?

Not planned. PausePace is built for Apple devices.

Be one of the first to try it

Join the free beta. We'll email you twice: when TestFlight opens and at launch.