If you’re looking to sync up all your apps with your family (mainly for the purpose of sharing subscriptions) then Apple has a program for that. The way it works is that one adult in your family invites everyone else to join and sets up accounts for anyone under 13. Once family members join, Family Sharing is set up on everyone’s devices automatically. The group then chooses which services and features they’d like to use and share.
Apple’s Family Sharing feature lets you share your purchases and subscriptions with up to six people in your family, without the need for sharing your Apple ID or password. This is a great tool for families that use the same video streaming apps, etc. & purchase their rights through the App Store.
Family Sharing: Sharing Apps with Your Family on Apple Devices
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| What is Family Sharing? | Family Sharing allows you to share purchases, subscriptions, and other features like iCloud storage with up to five other people in your family group. |
| How to Share App Purchases: | 1. Open the App Store app. 2. Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner. 3. Select “Purchased”. 4. Choose “Family Sharing” at the top. 5. Select the app you want to share and tap the cloud download icon next to the family member’s name. |
| Who can see the shared apps? | All members of your Family Sharing group will see the app listed in their Purchased tab within the App Store, even if they haven’t downloaded it yet. |
| Downloading shared apps: | Family members can download the shared app for free from their Purchased tab in the App Store. |
| In-app purchases: | In-app purchases made within a shared app are not automatically shared and require individual purchase by each family member. |
| Restrictions: | You can restrict in-app purchases for specific family members through the Settings app on your device. |
| Benefits: | Sharing apps can save money for families by allowing everyone to access purchased apps without needing to buy them individually. |
| Drawbacks: | Family members can potentially download apps you wouldn’t want them to, and in-app purchases can add unexpected costs if not managed carefully. |
Additional Notes:
- Not all apps are eligible for Family Sharing. Some developers may choose to opt out of the program.
- You can manage your Family Sharing settings and see who has access to your purchases through the Settings app on your device.
- It’s crucial to communicate openly with your family members about responsible app usage and in-app purchases when using Family Sharing.
What is Family Sharing?
Family Sharing is an Apple feature that lets you share your purchases from the App Store, iTunes Store, and Apple Books, an Apple Music family subscription, an iCloud storage plan, and more with your family members. It also enables you to set up an Apple ID for children and use Ask to Buy to help manage app downloads and in-app purchases.
Setting up Family Sharing
Setting up Family Sharing is an easy process. Head to the Settings app, tap on your name at the top, then select Family Sharing. After clicking on “Set up your family,” you can then invite your family members via iMessage. Once they accept your invitation, they are added to your Family Sharing group.
Benefits of Family Sharing
- Sharing Purchases: Any app or media content bought by a family member can be accessed by others in the group. This is great for families who enjoy the same music, books, or games.
- Apple Subscriptions: Services like Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple News+, and Apple Arcade can be shared among the group without additional cost.
- iCloud Storage: The entire family can contribute to an iCloud Storage plan, without having to pay for separate storages.
- Location Sharing: Family Sharing enables the ‘Find My’ feature, which allows you to share your location with family members or help find a lost device.
- Parental Controls: For families with young kids, the ‘Ask to Buy’ feature lets parents approve or decline app downloads or in-app purchases made by their children.
Conclusion
In the end, Family Sharing is a fantastic feature for families invested in the Apple ecosystem. It saves money, promotes sharing, and adds an extra layer of control for parents, all without compromising individual privacy. It’s truly a testament to Apple’s user-focused philosophy.
