There’s a trend that’s giving me a ton of hope lately, where Gen-Z are ditching smart phones for dumb phones, or getting music players instead of streaming music from their phone.

2026 might finally be the year where we decide to go back outside — because they are thinking more about the purpose and use of their devices. When they help, and when they hurt.

I feel like I’ve been thinking about my devices a lot lately too. Yes — the gear that we work on contributes to our productivity perhaps more than anything else. It’s why it’s the “G” in my GAPS Framework (Gear, Automations, Playbooks, Software).

But it’s more than that. It’s the trend I mentioned above. I’m also 2 full months into my Year of Digital Detox and I think it’s going shockingly well.

I just spent 2,000+ words writing about how I converted my iPad into a reMarkable. I’ve done a video about how my iPhone should allow me to quickly capture ideas without commanding too much of my time.

And the latest episode of Mac Power Users was David and Stephen digging deep into their iPhone setups.

Early in the episode, David said that he tries to have different “context” modes for his phone. This means when he looks at his phone, it should signal to him what he should be doing.

I like that a lot.

Just for reference, here’s the current iteration of my Home Screen/iPhone setup (If you want to see the full setup with all my focus modes, let me know):

1. What are my devices for?
2. How am I using them effectively for their purpose?

Asking these questions helps me optimize them and use them appropriately. Here’s a quick rundown, in order of importance:

1. Mac Studio: All of my major work happens here. It’s the only place where I can consistently access work/contractor accounts.
2. iPhone: A general-use device, but not my primary source of entertainment. It should be more of a utility + communication device than a way to kill time.
3. MacBook Air: My portable work machine. Ideally, I should only use it when I’m physically out of the house (though I am breaking that rule as I write this).
4. reMarkable Paper Pro Move: My note-taking device. This goes everywhere with me and is the primary way I take notes in meetings and jot down ideas, especially since I’m leaving my phone in the car more.
5. iPad Pro: When I want to get focused writing done, I will take this and only this with me.
6. Apple Watch: Communication and fitness device. I’ll use it primarily at the gym, or as a way for my family to get a hold of me. There are very few notifications I can get on it.

Going back to my iPhone, I’ve taken a more brutalist approach: killing most of the color, disabling badges, and focusing on specific actions. I really only want to use it for its specified purpose.

I won’t dive into the exact setup of all of these (though if you want me to, let me know). I just want to get you thinking about those two questions:

1. What are your devices for?
2. How are you using them effectively for their purpose?

My suggestion: decide what your most distracting device is first, and apply these two questions.

You may be surprised how much it helps.

My latest from around the web:

PAPER & SMOKE I Turned my iPad into a reMarkable I’ve been on a quest for what is likely a unicorn device. I want an eInk device I can do long-form writing on, that is distraction-free, but connects to the internet. I mean…talk about a contradiction of epic proportions. I’ve considered the Freewrite line of eInk typewriters, but I like a spacious screen so I’m not sure I’d actually like writing on them. But after buying and LOVING the reMarkable Paper Pro Move, I thought the reMarkable 2 + Typefolio keyboard case would solve my problems. Sadly, it didn’t...so I decided to recreate it with my iPad. Read the Article on Substack

THIS WEEK ON STREAMLINED SOLOPRENEUR Why Repetition is Killing Your Productivity (And How to Fix It) STREAMLINED SOLOPRENEUR: HELPING SOLOPRENEURS TAKE TIME OFF WORRY-FREE • S2:E519 Why Repetition is Killing Your Productivity (And How to Fix It) 17:00 MORE INFO Some of the results we seek benefit from repetitive work. Physical training, memorization, cooking, and practicing a big speech. But repetitive work can also limit us — especially if it keeps us from doing our most important, highest leverage work. I recently found myself stuck in a cycle of repetitive work that was keeping me stuck and wasting my time. Here’s how I’m getting out of it, and how you can recognize and fix when you’re in a similar cycle. ​ Listen at Streamlined Solopreneur

How do you use your devices? Reply and let me know!

Joe

PS — I still have a few slots open this week for a quick chat to learn how I can best help you. Book here.