iOS 15 Focus Home Screen Page Restrictions

Apple introduced major productivity enhancements in iOS 15 through its revamped Focus feature, which allows users to tie specific Home Screen layouts directly to different activities. This article outlines the options added for configuring Home Screen page restrictions within Focus profiles, detailing how users can hide distracting pages, isolate specific apps, and manage notification badges based on their current context.

Custom Page Selection

Under the Focus settings in iOS 15, Apple added a dedicated Home Screen customization menu. Within this section, users can enable Custom Pages, which displays a checklist of all available Home Screen pages currently on the device.

Selecting specific pages dictates that only those checked pages will appear while that particular Focus profile is active. Any unchecked pages are completely hidden from view until the profile turns off or changes.

Dedicated Focus-Specific Pages

iOS 15 allows apps to exist on multiple Home Screen pages simultaneously. This capability, combined with Focus page restrictions, lets users design dedicated Home Screens featuring tailored apps and widgets for specific environments—such as a "Work" page with Slack and calendar widgets, or a "Fitness" page with workout trackers. These pages can remain hidden during ordinary use and only surface when their corresponding Focus mode is engaged.

Hide Notification Badges

Within the same Home Screen settings menu for any Focus mode, Apple included a toggle to Hide Notification Badges. Enabling this option removes the red numerical badges from all app icons on the Home Screen. This prevents visual interruptions and reduces the urge to open apps unnecessarily while trying to concentrate.

Restoring Default Layouts

When a Focus profile is disabled, the Home Screen automatically reverts to its normal configuration. All previously hidden pages reappear in their original order without requiring manual rearrangement. Users still retain access to their complete app catalog at any time by swiping to the App Library, ensuring critical apps remain accessible even when pages are restricted.