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Time Out 4.1 TestFlight

· release · Time Out

I’m pleased to announce a pre-release TestFlight for version 4.1 of Time Out, my popular break reminder app for Mac. 🎉

This update was going to be version 4.0.1, but I added a couple of new features to address issues, so it graduated from a bug fix to a minor update. And some more coming in the next TestFlight.

This update includes:

  • Replaced the Focus is active rule with a configurable Focus Filter rule.
  • Added Show Time Out breaks using in Advanced; a useful workaround for Screen Time restrictions.
  • Fixed Learn More links in Messages to reveal advanced Break Schedule and Break Controls settings when needed.
  • Updated app names in Rules to use their localized names.
  • Fixed a trial sometimes remaining active after subscribing.

This pre-release build is available via Apple's TestFlight. Want to help test it? Install the TestFlight. It is open to all — but note that it requires macOS Tahoe (26.0 or later).

I would appreciate any help in testing this update. If you experience any issues, or have any suggestions for improvements, please contact me.

Read on for full details.

Focus Filters

  • Replaced the Focus is active rule with a Focus Filter rule that uses macOS Focus Filters instead of looking at the legacy Do Not Disturb values, which don't work on macOS 27 and later.
  • Choose which Focus modes affect Time Out by opening System Settings › Focus, selecting a Focus, clicking Add Filter under Focus Filters, choosing Time Out, and ensuring Activate Time Out’s Focus rules is enabled. Repeat for each Focus you want to use; other Focus modes won't activate Time Out’s filter.
  • Existing Focus rule actions, such as skip or postpone, are preserved. Choose is active to apply an action while Time Out’s filter is active; this remains the default for new rules.
  • You can also choose is inactive to apply an action when Focus is off, the current Focus has no Time Out filter, or the filter is disabled. For example, configure the filter for Work Focus and use is inactive with automatically skip to take scheduled breaks only during that Focus.
  • The rule’s Learn More button explains the setup and the active/inactive conditions, and includes an Open Focus Settings button.

Break presentation

  • Added Show Time Out breaks using in Advanced. Choose Time Out to show breaks in the main app, or Separate Helper to keep break problems isolated from the main app. Separate Helper is the default.
  • Choose Time Out as a workaround if Screen Time restrictions prevent breaks from appearing, even when Time Out is in Always Allowed.
  • Breaks shown in the main app work across Spaces and over full-screen apps. Changing this option applies to the next break or preview.

But wait, there's more!

  • Fixed Learn More links in Messages to expand Show More Options when highlighting settings in Break Schedule or Break Controls.
  • Updated app names in Rules to use their localized names, matching skip reasons; for example, Screenshot instead of screencaptureui.
  • Fixed a trial sometimes remaining active after subscribing.

Want to help test it?

This pre-release build is available via Apple's TestFlight. Install the TestFlight. Note that it requires macOS Tahoe (26.0 or later).

Once it is in general release, it will be available via the Mac App Store, Setapp, and directly from the Dejal website, as usual.

Again if you experience any issues, or have any suggestions for improvements, please contact me.