A new version of the iPhone is now available in the UK, and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Designed for kids, this special phone comes without a web browser, no social media apps, no games, and no way to download TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, or anything that might be seen as a distraction or danger.
The phone is called Sage Mobile, and it’s being sold by a U.S. company called Techless for £99 a month. That’s more than double what most people pay for a regular iPhone contract. But the creators say this is not just a phone but a way to help children “reconnect with real life” and reduce screen addiction.
There’s a growing concern among parents about how much time kids spend staring at their screens. Research has found that children who overuse smartphones are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety, and nearly three times more likely to experience depression. Parents are searching for a healthier digital start for their kids — and that’s where Sage Mobile comes in.
This iPhone 16 runs on special software that blocks internet searches and keeps out any app that isn’t considered essential. Instead of a full app store, Sage Mobile only lets you use practical apps — like ones for schoolwork, public transport, calendars, weather, or even banking (if your child is older).
“We’re Selling Phones With Seatbelts”
Chris Kaspar, the founder of Techless, compares regular smartphones to cars without seatbelts. He believes the default settings on modern phones expose kids to too much risk. “We want safer defaults,” he said.
Techless is launching Sage Mobile in the UK just as new laws are being rolled out to make it harder for children to access adult content online. So the timing couldn’t be better.
Do kids even like it?
In the U.S., where a similar version of this phone is already being sold, kids use it for just 15 minutes to an hour a day, much lower than the average screen time of nearly three hours among children in the UK. Why so little use? Because, according to Kaspar, it’s not that exciting. “It’s not magical, it’s not fun,” he admits — but that’s exactly the point.
While the idea has caught attention, many parents are raising eyebrows at the price. £99 a month is a steep price tag, especially when traditional phones cost far less. Analysts say it’s unlikely to sell in the millions — maybe just in the thousands. The high cost is partly due to its unique setup and the lack of advertising revenue that most apps generate.
Some experts say parents just aren’t ready to spend that kind of money on what’s been called a “dumb phone” — even if it’s for safety.
The Bigger Challenge
Daisy Greenwell, who co-founded the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign, says this phone could be a great option for teens, especially for those who want a smartphone but without the harmful distractions. She admits it’s hard to find tech solutions that teens can’t hack or bypass. “Teens are clever — they usually find a way around blocks,” she says.
But Greenwell also points out the biggest issue: the price. “It’s often low-income families whose children are most at risk online,” she said, “and they simply can’t afford £99 a month.” She called on the government to do more to protect all children, not just those with wealthy parents.
The Sage Mobile might not be affordable for everyone, but it highlights something important: more parents want safer digital tools for their kids. As screen time becomes a growing concern, this stripped-back iPhone could be the beginning of a bigger movement to rethink how children use technology, even if it starts with just a few.
