Apple has announced that it is dropping its iTunes Allowance feature, which allowed users to limit the amount of money that could be spent by their kids (or themselves!) on iTunes games, apps, movies and music.
While one of iTunes’ lesser-known features, iTunes Allowance had been around since at least 2010. It will come to an end on 25 May, with all existing allowances cancelled on that date. Yesterday marked the last day users were able to create a new iTunes Allowance.
“After May 25, any unused allowance credit will remain in the recipient’s account until it’s used,” Apple writes. In place of iTunes Allowance, it suggests that iTunes purchases made by families can be managed using Family Sharing, a feature Apple introduced in 2013 with iOS 8.
Family Sharing lets up to six people share movies, music, TV shows, books and apps purchased from iTunes, iBooks and the App Store. It also offers other useful features, such as photo and calendar sharing.
Apple notes that users who want to send gifts to family and friends can do so using iTunes Gifts.
Source: Apple
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
2 responses to “Sorry, kids! There goes your iTunes allowance”
OMG no!!!! parents rebel you might have to actually communicate with your child and participate in their life
Could use gift cards