Forest is a focus and productivity app that uses gamification to help users stay off their phones. When users start a focus session, a virtual tree grows; leaving the app kills the tree. Accumulated focus time translates into real tree planting through a partnership with Trees for the Future, adding a social impact dimension.
Forest targets the digital wellness and focus segment, competing with built-in phone focus modes (iOS Screen Time, Android Digital Wellbeing), Pomodoro timer apps, and productivity tools like Streaks. Its tree-planting social impact and visual gamification create emotional engagement that utilitarian timers lack.