Apple App Store

A well-stocked store that offers many useful applications for Apple products: the Apple App Store. It entices users with numerous apps, games, and media content from a seemingly endless selection. Find out what the Apple App Store is all about and how you can set it up to be childproof in this article.

In brief

• Official marketplace for all iOS apps
• Over two million apps for Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads and iPods
• Pre-installed on all iOS devices, linked to Apple ID
• Provider: Apple
• the app itself is free of charge, the offered apps are partly chargeable

Digital bazaar

The Apple App Store is a digital platform where users can download and install iOS apps for their Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. It was introduced by Apple in 2008 and has had a significant impact on the app development industry and mobile ecosystem ever since.

From games and entertainment apps to useful tools and productivity apps, the App Store offers a wide range. Users can search for apps, read ratings and reviews, buy apps or download them for free, and sign up for subscriptions. Specifically, there are ‘Today’ (apps and news selected by Apple), ‘Games’ (different types of games), ‘Apps’ (apps by category), ‘Arcade’ (exclusive games within the Apple Arcade subscription) and the general ‘Search’ categories for this on the home screen. When browsing, however, advertised apps are preferred. This means that even when searching for a specific app, the app you are looking for will first appear under a promotional post.

For developers, the App Store provides a platform to market. To do this, the apps must meet certain Apple guidelines and requirements regarding privacy, security, and features that enhance user experience. Each app is pre-screened for this by Apple before release. Some female developers criticize the high fees Apple charges for selling apps in the Apple App Store, while others have concerns about the review and approval processes.

Browse, play and have fun

Games, coloring and drawing apps, music and creative apps, entertainment apps and learning apps – the Apple App Store offers children and young people numerous options. Many of the apps are interactive, entertaining and promote cognitive development, language development or fine motor skills.

There is a separate category in the Apple App Store for children up to the age of twelve: it is called ‘Kids’. The apps there are usually kid-friendly and educational. However, the category is not intuitive to find. To do this, you must enter ‘children’ in the search box. This is the only way to land in the children’s section with subcategories.

The age ratings are set by Apple itself based on the content of the app and the target audience. Factors such as violence, sexual content, drug use, or gambling are considered. Each app is then given an age rating of 4+, 9+, 12+, 17+ or no clearance. Apple uses its own guidelines and standards for this.

What does the provider think?

Strict guidelines for all apps for children should ensure their safety: child-friendly content. No use of tracking technologies. No advertising. No in-app purchases without parental permission. Easy navigation and operation. No links to outside websites or social media without parent permission. Educational Benefits.

You can also adjust the settings on their Apple devices to restrict access to certain apps or content and ensure that your child can only access kid-friendly apps.

What should parents pay attention to?

• Age ratings: The Apple App Store specifies an age rating for each app. However, these clearances are only a rough estimate. Pay attention to age-appropriate offers for your child
• Parental controls: Activate the parental controls. The “Screen time” option in the settings of your iOS device allows you to set restrictions and assign your own code for it. You can then, for example, allow or block the use of certain apps. Apps with a higher age rating can also be blocked automatically.
• Costs and in-app purchases: Some apps are free for now, but additional fun then costs; more levels, better devices, more play money. Depending on their age, talk to your child about in-app purchases. Do not deposit bank details for free disposal, but gladly load the balance with pocket money for free allocation. For younger children, disable in-app purchases or approve the purchase process before your child can buy anything. You can do this both in the app itself and in the App Store. However, the settings may vary depending on the device and operating system.
• Privacy: Some apps collect data about users, including personal information, or access to device features. Therefore, restrict app permissions if necessary. Although Apple checks all apps in advance, there are even harmful apps that steal personal data or smuggle viruses onto your own device. Before downloading, check if it is a reputable app by checking the provider, ratings and number of downloads. Make your child aware of the topic of data protection and set up rules together on whether and how your child is allowed to download apps on his or her own.

Tips on how to safely set up your child’s smartphone are available in this article.