If you and your loved ones are immersed in Apple’s digital realm but haven’t taken advantage of the Apple Family Sharing feature, you might be unknowingly splurging on apps and subscriptions. By utilizing Apple Family Sharing, you can streamline the sharing of purchases, content, and storage across various iOS, Mac, and Apple IDs. It’s a suitable and cost-effective manner to make the most out of your Apple ecosystem as a family.
However, while the notion of seamlessly sharing all your music, movies, and more across your family’s collection of Apple devices appears like an evident choice, there are some aspects to contemplate. In this piece of article, we will probe the advantages and disadvantages of Apple Family Sharing.
What is Apple Family Sharing?
Apple Family Sharing is a feature that authorizes you as well as more than five extra members of your family to share access to a span of incredible Apple services. With Family Sharing, your family or a group can enjoy shared access to popular services like Apple TV+, Apple Music as well as Apple News+ even the advantages of Apple Card, along with Apple Arcade.
Furthermore, Family Sharing presents the opportunity to share an iCloud storage plan, enabling the family to efficiently manage and store their digital files as well as photos, and more in a centralized and easily accessible location. Additionally, the feature includes a family photo album, creating a shared space where all family members can contribute and enjoy cherished memories together. One remarkable aspect of Family Sharing is the ability to help locate each other’s missing devices. This feature enhances the family’s security and peace of mind, allowing members to track and find their misplaced or lost Apple devices.
Family Sharing is an exceptional feature that comes standard on all your Apple devices. It has the potential to save you a considerable amount of money and provide you with content control for your children’s downloads. Just by the name, Apple Family Sharing, it implies that any App Store purchases or Apple subscriptions paid for by one family member can be accessed by others without requiring an additional payment.
Also Read- Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference To Begin On June 5 With Keynote Address
Advantages and Disadvantages Of Apple Family Sharing
Advantages Of Apple Family Sharing
#1. Share Subscriptions and Cut Expenses
One of the major advantages of Apple Family Sharing is by sharing subscriptions, purchases, and iCloud storage plans, Family Sharing helps save money. Family members can access services like Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple News+, Apple Arcade, and Apple Card without requiring separate individual subscriptions, resulting in consequential cost savings.
#2. Shared Content
Family members can enjoy shared access to iTunes, Apple Books, and App Store purchases. This signifies that any family member can download and utilize apps, books, and media content purchased by another family member, annihilating the requirement for duplicate purchases.
#3. Convenient Storage
By utilizing the shared iCloud storage plan, families can effectively streamline the management and storage of their files, and photos, along with backups in a centralized hub. This simplifies the overall organization and accessibility of digital content for every family member, offering a seamless and convenient experience.
Also Read- Apple WWDC23: What To Expect & More
#4. Locate Lost Devices
Family Sharing authorizes members to assist locate each other’s misplaced or lost Apple devices. This feature provides an extra layer of security and convenience, making it easier to track and find lost devices within the family network.
#5. Parental Controls
Family Sharing offers robust parental control features, giving parents the ability to set limits and restrictions on app downloads, in-app purchases, and screen time for their children’s devices. This helps parents ensure a safe and controlled digital environment for their kids.
#6. Ensure Privacy and Security
With Family Sharing, each family member has their own Apple ID and password, ensuring the privacy of their personal information and purchases. The feature provides an additional layer of protection through password prompts for purchases, preventing unauthorized transactions. Besides that, the inclusion of two-factor authentication adds an extra level of security to Family Sharing accounts, guarding against unauthorized access.
Disadvantages Of Apple Family Sharing
#1. Compatibility Limitations
Family Sharing is primarily designed for Apple devices, meaning it may not extend to other non-Apple platforms or devices that family members may use. This can create limitations in sharing and accessing content across different ecosystems.
#2. Not All Apps and Content are Shareable
While Apple Family Sharing authorizes you to share certain purchases and subscriptions, not all apps, services, or content are eligible for sharing. Some developers may choose to opt out of Family Sharing, restraining the availability of shared content.
#3. Cannot Hide A Purchase
With Family Sharing, you cannot individually hide a purchase from your family members directly on your phone. To hide a purchase, you must sign in to iTunes on a computer and hide it from the Purchased tab. This inconvenience arises from the lack of a direct option on mobile devices. If you forget to hide a purchase or if someone in your family has already downloaded it, it will remain on their device and cannot be hidden or deleted.
#4. Age Limitations on parental control
The parental control feature in Apple Family Sharing is limited by age. Parents can solely set up screen time restrictions for children under 13 years of age. This limitation means that parents cannot utilize the parental control feature on teenagers within the family. It may restrict the level of control and monitoring parents have over older children’s device usage.
#5. Potential misuse of location functionality
Apple Family Sharing offers the ability to locate family members’ devices. However, this functionality can be easily abused if privacy boundaries are not respected. It’s essential to use this feature responsibly and ensure that consent and trust are established among family members to avoid any potential misuse or invasion of privacy.
#6. Apple Family Sharing Potential Conflicts and Accidental Purchases
When using Family Sharing, all family members share the same payment method for App Store purchases. This can potentially lead to conflicts or accidental purchases if not properly managed, especially if there are different spending preferences or restrictions among family members.
Also Read- Apple Learning Coach Program Brings Creativity To Education System
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Family Sharing for Apple a good idea?
Family Sharing for Apple can be a great idea depending on your specific needs and circumstances. It offers several advantages such as cost savings through shared subscriptions and purchases, convenient management of shared content and storage, enhanced security features like individual Apple IDs and password prompts, and the ability to locate family members’ devices. However, there are also potential disadvantages to consider, including limitations on shared content, in-app purchases not being eligible for sharing, and many more. Thus, it’s essential to evaluate whether the benefits align with your goals and if the limitations and potential drawbacks can be managed effectively within your family.
What are the risks of Family Sharing?
With the extensive access that Apple Family sharing accounts provide across multiple devices, there are certain safety concerns to consider. One consequential risk is the potential compromise of the entire family’s security if a single device within the shared network gets hacked. This could lead to the unauthorized access of sensitive information and passwords, putting everyone’s privacy at stake.
Similarly, if a family member’s device is lost or thieved, it becomes a conceivable gateway for unauthorized individuals to access the sensitive and confidential info of other family members. This comprises the prospect of accessing location data via tracking features. Besides that, the person in possession of the lost or stolen device would have the ability to remotely wipe the devices of other family members, which can create inconvenience and probable data loss. Consequently, it is vital to be mindful of these risks and take proper measures to assure the security of family-sharing accounts.
