We're incredibly proud to announce that WeWard's Walking Mode has been recognized in TIME's Best Inventions of 2026 list in the Apps & Software category.

Built around one simple idea — walk first, scroll later — Walking Mode helps people spend less time on their screens and more time moving. Being recognized alongside some of the year's most exciting innovations is a meaningful milestone for our team and a reflection of something we strongly believe: technology should encourage us to spend more time living in the real world, not less.

What Is TIME's Best Inventions?

For more than 25 years, TIME has celebrated the products, software, and services that are changing how we live, work, and play through its annual Best Inventions list.

Each year, TIME's editors, with input from expert contributors, evaluate innovations based on four key criteria: originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact.

The 2026 list recognizes 300 inventions and 100 special mentions across a wide range of categories, from health and artificial intelligence to sustainability and transportation. Together, these innovations represent some of the most exciting ideas shaping our future.

In Good Company

We're thrilled to be recognized alongside an impressive group of innovators and companies pushing boundaries across their respective industries.

AAmong this year’s honorees are:

• Apple for the iPhone Duo
• GoPro for the Mission 1 Pro ILS, a step into cinema-grade cameras
• Brick, a device that cuts down screen time
• Divine, a reboot of the cult app Vine

Explore the full list of TIME's Best Inventions of 2026.

A Word From Our Team

"It’s an incredible honor to be named to TIME’s Best Inventions List among such great company," said Yves Benchimol, CEO and Co-founder of WeWard. "We’re proud of the way Walking Mode has resonated so strongly among our users and believe it’s a clear reflection that we’re addressing a very real need, which is that people want to be spending more time outside and moving.”

— Yves Benchimol, CEO & Co-founder, WeWard

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This recognition is a celebration of the team that brought Walking Mode to life and the millions of WeWarders who inspire us to keep building. Every new feature, challenge, and reward brings us closer to our mission of making everyday movement more accessible, motivating, and rewarding.

What's Next for Walking Mode?

Launched in July 2026, Walking Mode lets users temporarily lock distracting apps, from social media to games and streaming platforms, until they reach a daily step goal. The idea is simple: walk first, scroll later.

Walking Mode is currently available on iOS, with Android coming soon. And we're just getting started finding new ways to help people build healthier relationships with their phones and make movement a bigger part of everyday life.

Ready to try it out? Open WeWard, tap your avatar, head to Settings, and give Walking Mode a try.

To our team, our community, and everyone who has supported us along the way: thank you for being part of this journey. 🧡

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