TimeAppsule is a time-locked greetings and gifting app that adds an element of suspense to your virtual gift. Modelled off the classic time capsule (usually filled with future relics and buried somewhere in the garden), recipients of these digital 'Appsules' are only able to view what’s inside their package after a specified time period.

To send an appsule, users create an account before selecting a design. The appsule is then filled with images, recordings, messages and videos before a time-lock is set and the appsule is sent to its recipient via email. Until the specified unlock time, recipients will only be able to see the appsule and countdown clock from the outside. With appsules able to be locked for up to a year, it’s one way to ensure you never forget to send a birthday message again.

As we take instant messaging more or less for granted these days, perhaps options to slow down how quickly we can reach each other will begin to materialise more frequently.

TimeAppsule is available as a free download from the App Store.