WeWard, a French step-tracking app, announced in 2026 a new feature called “Walking Mode” that lets users block access to selected apps on their phones until they reach a chosen daily step count. The feature launched on July 8, 2026.
With Walking Mode, users can restrict apps such as TikTok or Instagram until they complete a set number of steps — for example, 3,000. Both the apps to be locked and the step targets are customizable. The feature is designed to encourage daily walking while also helping users reduce screen time.
WeWard already rewarded users for logging steps through an in-app currency called “Wards,” redeemable for cash, gift cards, or charitable donations, alongside a gamified leaderboard for friendly competition. The new screen-time restriction feature extends that model into a tool for curbing social media use.
The France-based company counts tennis player and angel investor Venus Williams among its backers. WeWard reports 30 million users across 29 countries, including 4 million in the United States, and says its platform has been shown to increase walking time by nearly 25%.
“We believe the next generation of products should be designed to create healthier behaviors in the real world, not simply capture more attention,” co-founder Yves Benchimol said. “Walking Mode is our contribution to that vision, and we hope it inspires a broader conversation about mindful design and how the industry defines success.”
WeWard notes that users spend only a few minutes per day inside the app, which the company frames as intentional. Unlike some rewards apps, WeWard says it does not sell user data to third parties, and instead generates revenue through in-app purchases, affiliate marketing, premium subscriptions, and advertising.
Source: TechCrunch