How to Set Up iPhone Focus Mode for Deep Work in 2026

Setting up Work Focus on iPhone: Settings > Focus > Work > create or configure. Add allowed contacts (colleagues, family emergencies), allowed apps (work apps only), and link to a Lock Screen or Home Screen layout with work-only widgets.

Setup Steps

Settings > Focus > + (or tap existing Work focus) > Work.

Allowed Notifications: Add People (who can call/message through), Add Apps (which apps show notifications). Everything else is silenced.

Home Screen: select a Home Screen page with work apps. Focus activates that page automatically.

Lock Screen: choose a Lock Screen linked to this Focus. Appears when Work Focus is active.

Automating Work Focus

Settings > Focus > Work > Add Automation:

• Time-based: activate at 9am-6pm weekdays.
• Location-based: activate when at office address.
• App-based: activate when you open a work app (Teams, Slack).

Priority Notifications with Work Focus

iOS 26: Apple Intelligence’s Priority Notifications surfaces urgent messages that break through Work Focus. Time Sensitive notifications from allowed contacts still appear.

For Note-Takers

Work Focus Home Screen: include Nemos, Apple Notes, or your primary work note app in the work Home Screen for fast access. Personal note apps can be excluded from work Focus.

Link Work Focus to your Shortcuts: trigger quick note capture or meeting preparation Shortcuts when Work Focus activates.

Nemos and Focus Mode

Nemos pairs well with Work Focus. Because it's a capture app with no social features, it's always allowed during Focus — it never interrupts, only receives.

Practical setup: add Nemos to your Work Focus allowed apps list. During deep work sessions, it's the one app available for immediate capture when a thought or insight surfaces. No switching context to notes, no distractions — just capture and return to work.

The widget: place the Nemos quick-capture widget on your Work Focus home screen (separate from your default screen). Single tap opens a capture modal. Works alongside Focus's restricted notification environment.