New York – October 15, 2026 -- WeWard's Walking Mode, which locks distracting apps like social media and games until you hit your daily step goal, is available now on iOS after landing on TIME's Best Inventions of 2026 list in the Apps & Software category. Android is coming soon.
Walking Mode locks apps until you reach your step goal
The feature launched in July 2026 around one idea: walk first, scroll later. Users choose their own daily step goal and temporarily lock the apps they find distracting. Once the goal is met, the apps unlock automatically. Restrictions reset at midnight each day.
WeWard CEO and co-founder Yves Benchimol said the feature has resonated strongly with users and reflects a real need: people want to spend more time outside and moving.
TIME's list covers 300 innovations plus 100 special mentions
TIME's Best Inventions list has recognized products, software and services for more than 25 years. Editors, supported by expert contributors, judge each entry on originality, efficacy, ambition and impact. This year's list spans health, AI, sustainability and transportation. Other honorees include Apple's iPhone Duo, the GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS, Brick and Divine.
WeWard rewards more than 30 million walkers
The free app, backed by Venus Williams and founded in 2019, lets users track daily steps and redeem them for cash deposits, charity donations or retail gifts. Social challenges include leaderboards and collectibles.
To date, WeWard has given $50M in cash back to users and $1.5M to charity partners. The company says walking activity on the app has helped save more than 750,000 tons of CO2. WeWard crossed 5 million users in the U.S. this year.