COMPARE APPS
Cero vs the iPhone Clock app
The built-in timer counts down once. Here’s what an interval timer adds for workouts
Side by side
| Clock app | Cero | |
|---|---|---|
| Work and rest, one after the other | No | Yes |
| Sets or rounds | No: tap Repeat each time | Up to 100 |
| Warm-up and cool down | No | Yes |
| Different intervals in one workout | No | Up to 200 |
| A cue at each change | One sound when it ends | Sound, voice or vibration |
| Voice cues | No | Yes, in 31 languages |
| Saved workouts | Recent and preset lengths | Saved timers, shared as a file or QR code |
| Workout history and Apple Health | No | Yes |
| Rest by heart rate | No | Adaptive HR |
| Timer on a TV | No | Gym Display |
Moving from the Clock app
If you’ve been tapping Repeat after every round, set the same lengths in a simple timer: high intensity for work, low intensity for rest, and the number of sets. Cero then runs the whole workout without a tap. Step by step in how to set an interval timer on iPhone.
Questions
Can the iPhone Clock app do intervals?
Not by itself. Its timer counts down one length of time; when it ends you can tap Repeat to run the same length again, but it won’t alternate work and rest or count sets.
Can I run several timers at once on iPhone?
Yes. Since iOS 17, the Clock app runs several timers at the same time, each with its own label. They run side by side, though, not one after another as intervals do.
Is there a free interval timer for iPhone?
Yes. Cero is free to download and every feature is free; Cero Pro adds unlimited saved timers and removes ads.
Can Siri start an interval timer?
Yes, with Cero on iOS 17 or later: say “Start a timer in Cero”. See how to start a timer with Siri or the Action Button.
iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Siri and the Dynamic Island are trademarks of Apple Inc. Cero isn’t affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by Apple.
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Cero is free to download for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
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Cero is a timer, not a medical device. If you’re new to hard exercise, are pregnant or have a health condition, check with your doctor first, and stop if you feel unwell.