A year after the Light Phone III hit shelves, the minimalist handset is set to change its limited app roster. The device has long shipped with a handful of “tools” designed to keep distractions at bay, but reviewers noted gaps in functionality. Light’s new developer program promises third‑party tools while preserving its low‑attention philosophy and has cultivated a small but vocal following among digital‑detox enthusiasts.

Developers will receive an SDK in June, granting permission‑based access to push notifications, media files and an open‑source UI library and a testing emulator. Light will host a curated, non‑commercial marketplace where only tools “blessed by Light” appear, each required to serve a clear purpose and respect privacy. Submissions enter vetting in August or September, aiming for an October launch.

By opening its platform, Light hopes to attract hobbyists who can fill gaps—like a proper music player—without undermining the phone’s core promise of simplicity. Consumers gain optional functionality while still opting out of the app‑driven noise that dominates most smartphones. The move could redefine how niche hardware leverages community development for users who value focus.