This is already being built from a company with a similar vision : Lite Phone
https://www.thelightphone.com/
Lite Phone 2: Campaign https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/light-phone-2-design#/
Lite Phone 2: Campaign https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/light-phone-2-design#/
We believe the launcher approach is the most effective way to solve the problem b/c it actually gets at the root cause, which is that the smartphone interface has no protections against the persuasive techniques of addictive apps. So we made a new interface that is less distracting and more intentional.
We just launched in the Play Store and would love your thoughts and feedback!
The app is currently free while in beta. We are in the process of building the UI for a Pay What You Can subscription model, which we feel aligns well with the movement away from an attention economy towards a user value economy, makes it more accessible, etc.
Edit: I say should; I should clarify that I think the pricepoint is waaay to hipster for me.