Awake App: Stop Your Alarm with Tasks - For Heavy Sleepers

A New Alarm App, Awake, Challenges Sleepers to Rise

A novel iOS application, named Awake, has been released on Monday. It’s specifically engineered for individuals who find it difficult to wake up and requires completion of tasks to deactivate alarms.

The app’s functionality is restricted to devices running iOS 26 or later, as this update was also made available on the same day.

How Awake Differs from Traditional Alarms

Awake distinguishes itself from conventional alarm clocks. Instead of a simple tap to silence, it actively stimulates the user’s cognitive functions to promote full wakefulness.

Upon the alarm’s activation, users are presented with a sequence of interactive missions that must be completed before the alarm can be dismissed.

Variety of Wake-Up Missions

These challenges encompass a diverse range of activities. Examples include rotating the iPhone, performing push-ups, or solving mathematical equations.

Puzzles, language learning exercises, and other mental and physical tasks are also incorporated. The intention is to disrupt the habit of hitting the snooze button and foster a more energetic beginning to the day.

Awake's Unique Features

While comparable applications like Alarmy, Challenges, and Mathe Alarm already exist, Awake introduces additional functionalities. A “Morning Briefing” is one such feature.

This briefing delivers a personalized summary of user-selected information, such as weather forecasts and calendar events, prepared the previous evening.

Furthermore, Awake integrates with Block, preventing immediate access to social media platforms upon waking. Future development includes the ability to listen to new podcast episodes directly upon opening one’s eyes.

Sleep Planning Capabilities

The app also features a sleep planning tool. This assists in improving sleep quality by allowing users to input their desired sleep duration and preferred wake-up time.

Based on this input, the app calculates the optimal bedtime.

Development Driven by User Demand

Leo Mehlig, the independent developer of the popular Structured daily planner app, explains that Awake was created in response to requests from Structured users.

Mehlig pursued the concept following Apple’s announcement of iOS 26, which granted developers access to the new Alarm Kit framework. This framework enabled the creation of alarm and timer applications with features like full-screen alerts.

“A more effective solution than a standard alarm clock was needed for those who struggle with morning wakefulness,” Mehlig stated to TechCrunch. “We had considered this previously, but prioritized other developments. The unveiling of the Alarm Kit at the Apple keynote prompted us to refocus on this project.”

Pricing and Premium Features

Awake is available for free download. A premium subscription is offered at $6.49 monthly or $19.99 annually.

This subscription unlocks access to additional missions, including controlling smart lights, scanning QR codes, and completing a specified number of steps. One mission even requires the recitation of a personal mantra.

Future Enhancements: Wake Up Check

Looking forward, Mehlig plans to implement a “Wake Up Check” feature. This will verify genuine wakefulness after a mission is completed.

Utilizing the step counter, the app will monitor user movement post-mission. If no movement is detected, a notification will be sent, and if unanswered within a few minutes, another alarm will be triggered to prevent falling back asleep.

Note: This article has been updated to reflect accurate subscription pricing.