Apple Is Ending iTunes Allowances – Here’s What to Do Next

Apple Is Ending iTunes Allowances - Here's What to Do Next
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Since the early days of the iTunes Store back in 2003, parents have been able to setup monthly iTunes allowances for their kids to purchase music and other content. Although the feature was never widely publicized and buried deep in the iTunes settings menu, it was really useful for those who used it.

Once the predetermined limit was used up, kids are required to wait until the next monthly allowance before they can purchase new apps, games and music. The service allows parents to curb spending without having to manage every aspect of the content their children purchase and other than the inevitable begging for a larger allowance, it has eliminated much of the headache from what could otherwise be a difficult process.

Allowance 1

In an unexpected move, however, Apple has announced plans to end the program. A support document was recently posted to Apple’s website detailing the decision.

Apple has already cut off the ability to setup new accounts with iTunes allowances and existing allowance accounts will be shut down on May 25. Rest assured, Apple has made it clear any existing funds in iTunes allowance accounts will remain there until they are used up, but no new funds can be added past May 25th, 2016. What the company has not made as clear is their reasoning for the change. We’ve all heard the stories of kids spending thousands on the App Store, and it seemed as if the iTunes allowance program was an excellent way to limit your child’s spending.

In the support document, Apple points to the “ask to buy” option included in Family Sharing as the best way to manage children’s iTunes purchases moving forward. This means families have to migrate to Family Sharing to continue managing their children’s iTunes and App Store purchases.

Apple introduced Family Sharing in iOS 8, and although the service got off to a rough start Apple has polished it up and it is now a great way to share content with family members without the need for everyone to use the same Apple ID. When the “ask to buy” option is activated, the parent will receive a notification anytime a child attempts to purchase any iTunes content and they have the option to either approve or deny the purchase. This is certainly a more hands-on method compared to iTunes allowances, and is a good way to keep a better eye on exactly what your child is attempting to purchase, although it may get on your nerves if you are constantly getting “ask to buy” notifications while you’re at work.

Allowance 2

If you haven’t set up Family Sharing already, check out our guide to get Family Sharing setup.

If the “ask to buy” option sounds like too much to keep up with, buying iTunes credit gift cards for your child every month is a way to more closely replicate the iTunes allowance service. You can setup an iTunes account for your child, which does not require connection to a debit or credit card and then fund it through monthly gift card credit.

Again, this process is not as automated as the iTunes allowance program was, but it more closely resembles the service compared to Family Sharing. Plus, you would only have to take action once a month rather than being pestered constantly by “ask to buy” notifications.

Learn More: iPhone Is Officially the Most Desired Smartphone Among Teens

Let us know what you think of this move by Apple. Are you a regular user of the iTunes allowance feature or were you unaware of the feature’s existence? Do think you will use the Family Sharing option or just buy your kids gift cards every month?

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