Appmakers asked to turn on Family Sharing for iOS 8 and Yosemite

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At WWDC, Apple debuted its new Family Sharing feature, which allows up to six members of a household to share calendars and even iTunes purchases when using the same credit card — meaning the end of multiple iTunes accounts for different family members.

While Family Sharing allows users to set up their family as a unit able to share photos, calendars, locations, etc. more significant to developers is that it lets users share songs, books, movies, apps, and other purchases.

With this in mind, Apple has sent out emails via iTunes Connect asking developers to opt-in to the new program — urging them to agree to the new iOS and Mac Paid Applications Agreement. Developers have the option of keeping past purchases out of the program — suggesting that this same option will be available to future apps as well.

At least in part, Apple’s Family Sharing feature is designed to stop the company from being sued, by incorporating parental controls allowing parents to approve in-app purchases and downloads initiated by their children. With the new feature, parents have the ability to accept or reject purchases remotely.

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