I created an app to remove Reels, now on iOS too

Name: I created an app to remove Reels, now on iOS too
Availability: InStock
Author: adrianhacar

by adrianhacar·Feb 19, 2026·4 points·4 comments

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AI Analysis

●●SolidSolve My ProblemDark Horse

iOS webapp workaround to block Reels while keeping DMs—clever constraint hack.

Strengths

•WebApp + Shortcuts redirect solves iOS restrictions where native browser extension access is impossible
•Preserves core utilities (DMs, stories) instead of blocking entire apps—genuine use case alignment

Weaknesses

•Only covers Instagram/Meta despite user demand for Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok support
•Webapp UX limitations (no pinch-zoom, slower responsiveness) noted in reviews; native app would be better

Post Description

Last year I built an Android app to block Reels and Shorts while keeping "healthy" features like stories and DMs. I didn't want to block the whole app. I just wanted to message friends and see their posts without losing an hour scrolling on Reels. This was the HN post for the Android version: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44923520

When people asked for an iOS version, I thought it was not possible. Apple is way more restrictive and doesn't allow that level of app access.

But I ended up building the iOS app using a different approach. On iOS, it uses WebApps. It's not exactly the same experience as the native app, but it works surprisingly well.

I also combined it with iOS Shortcuts to auto-redirect the native apps to WebApps, so I can keep Instagram installed for notifications but get sent to the WebApp without Reels and any feed when I tap.

Curious what you think, especially about the WebApp approach on iOS.