Quitting smoking with willpower alone is hard. In January 2026, researchers published a large analysis in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, reviewing 31 clinical studies with more than 12,000 participants to see whether smartphone apps can improve the odds.
What the numbers say
- People using a smoking cessation app were about 3× more likely to quit long-term compared with those receiving no or minimal support.
- In practical terms, this equals roughly 40 additional successful quitters per 1,000 people using an app.
- When apps were combined with nicotine replacement therapy or medications, the effect was much stronger — up to 196 additional successful quitters per 1,000 people.
The authors note that overall certainty of evidence is low, due to study design differences and reliance on self-reported outcomes.
What this means for quitting
The conclusion is cautious but clear: smartphone apps are not a magic cure, but they can provide real, always-available support — especially when combined with proven quitting methods.
If you want to try quitting with daily guidance, tracking, and motivation, you can start with Puff Off. Piggy On. today.
Source
This article is for informational purposes only. Puff Off. Piggy On. is not a medical device and does not provide medical advice.