Apple Family Sharing is a convenient way for families to share purchases, subscriptions, and other services across multiple devices. However, like any technology, there are both advantages and disadvantages to using Apple Family Sharing. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the pros and cons of Apple Family Sharing.
What is Apple Family Sharing?
Apple Family Sharing is a feature that allows up to six family members to share their purchases, subscriptions, and content across all their Apple devices. With Family Sharing, you can share apps, music, movies, TV shows, books, and even iCloud storage with your family members. Each family member has their own Apple ID, but they can all use the same credit card for purchases.
While Apple Family Sharing offers numerous benefits, it also has some potential drawbacks to consider. Below, we’ll explore both the advantages and disadvantages of Apple Family Sharing to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your family.
Advantages of Apple Family Sharing
Here are the main advantages of using Apple Family Sharing and why it’s a great option for families.
Advantage #1: Cost-Effective
One of the most significant advantages of Apple Family Sharing is that it’s a cost-effective option for families. By sharing purchases, families can avoid buying the same app or media multiple times. This can save families a significant amount of money in the long run.
Moreover, Family Sharing allows you to share iCloud storage. Apple’s iCloud storage is one of the best cloud storage options available today, but it can also be expensive. With Family Sharing, you can share the cost of iCloud storage among all the members of your family, which can significantly reduce your overall costs.
Advantage #2: Convenience
Another major advantage of Family Sharing is the convenience it offers. With Family Sharing, you don’t have to worry about logging in and out of different Apple accounts to access different purchases. Everything is available in one place.
When you set up Family Sharing, you can choose which purchases to share and which to keep private. For example, you may want to share your music library with your family members but keep your personal email private. Family Sharing allows you to customize your sharing options to suit your needs.
Moreover, with Family Sharing, all your family members can use the same payment method for purchases, making it easier to keep track of expenses. You won’t have to worry about sending money back and forth or reimbursing each other for purchases.
Advantage #3: Parental Controls
As a parent, it’s important to be able to monitor your children’s device usage and control what content they have access to. With Family Sharing, you can set up parental controls for your children’s devices. You can control what apps they download, what websites they can visit, and even set up screen time limits.
Furthermore, with Family Sharing, you can also approve your child’s purchases. This means that you will receive a notification every time your child tries to buy something, and you can choose whether to allow or deny the purchase. This gives parents peace of mind and helps them control their children’s spending habits.
Advantage #4: Family Calendar
One of the lesser-known advantages of Family Sharing is the family calendar feature. With Family Sharing, you can create a shared family calendar that all members of the family can access. This is a great feature for families with busy schedules. You can easily keep track of everyone’s appointments, events, and activities, all in one place.
Furthermore, you can set up reminders for events and appointments, so you never miss an important date again. This is especially useful for families with children who have extracurricular activities, doctor’s appointments, and other events to attend.
Advantage #5: Sharing Across Devices
Another significant advantage of Family Sharing is that it allows you to share purchases across devices. This means that you can share your music library, movies, and TV shows with your family members, regardless of whether they are using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Moreover, Family Sharing also allows you to share photos and videos with your family members. With iCloud Photo Sharing, you can create shared albums that everyone in the family can access. This is a great way to share memories and stay connected with your family members, even if you’re miles apart.
Advantage #6: Easy Setup
Setting up Family Sharing is easy and straightforward. All you need is an Apple ID and a compatible device. Once you set up Family Sharing, you can invite up to six family members to join. They will receive an invitation to join your family group, and once they accept, they can start sharing purchases and other features.
Moreover, if you’re new to Apple devices, Family Sharing can be a great way to get started. You can purchase apps, music, and movies together as a family, which can help you save money and build your library of content quickly.
Advantage #7: Apple Arcade
Apple Arcade is a subscription service that offers access to a vast collection of games. With Family Sharing, you can share your Apple Arcade subscription with up to five family members. This means that your entire family can enjoy unlimited access to a wide range of games, without having to pay for individual subscriptions.
Apple Arcade offers a variety of games, including puzzle games, adventure games, and sports games, suitable for players of all ages. This is a great way to keep your family entertained and engaged, especially during long road trips or rainy days.
Advantage #8: Privacy and Security
Privacy and security are essential concerns when it comes to sharing personal information and purchases. Apple is committed to protecting the privacy and security of its users, and Family Sharing is no exception.
With Family Sharing, each family member has their own Apple ID and password, ensuring that their personal information and purchases remain private. Moreover, when a family member makes a purchase, they will be prompted to enter their password, ensuring that no unauthorized purchases are made.
Furthermore, Family Sharing also offers two-factor authentication, an extra layer of security that helps prevent unauthorized access to your account.
All in all, Apple Family Sharing offers a wide range of advantages for families. From cost savings to convenience and security, Family Sharing is a great option for families looking to share purchases and stay connected.
Whether you’re looking to share your music library, photos, or subscriptions, Family Sharing makes it easy to do so. Plus, with features like parental controls, family calendars, and Apple Arcade, Family Sharing offers something for everyone.
Setting up Family Sharing is easy and straightforward, and once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. So, if you’re looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to share purchases with your family, give Apple Family Sharing a try.
Disadvantages of Apple Family Sharing
While there are many benefits to using Apple Family Sharing, it’s important to note that there are also a few disadvantages. Here are some of the potential downsides to using this service:
Disadvantage #1: Limited Sharing
One of the biggest downsides to Apple Family Sharing is that it doesn’t support all types of purchases. While you can share music, movies, and books, there are many other types of content that can’t be shared. For example, in-app purchases, subscriptions, and some types of digital media can’t be shared with your family members.
This means that if you have a family member who wants to access a specific app or service that can’t be shared, they will need to purchase it separately. This can lead to confusion and frustration, especially if you have multiple family members using different devices.
Disadvantage #2: Dependence on Apple Devices
Another potential downside to Apple Family Sharing is that it requires all family members to have Apple devices. If you have family members who use Android or other non-Apple devices, they won’t be able to participate in Family Sharing.
This can be a significant limitation, especially if you have family members who prefer other types of devices. It can also make it challenging to coordinate purchases and share content effectively, especially if some family members are using different platforms.
Disadvantage #3: Complexity of Setup
While setting up Apple Family Sharing is relatively straightforward, it can still be a bit complex for some users. You need to have a good understanding of how Apple ID accounts work and how to manage them effectively.
This can be challenging, especially if you’re not particularly tech-savvy. If you have trouble setting up Family Sharing, you may need to rely on support from Apple or other resources, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Disadvantage #4: Limited Control Over Sharing
Another potential downside to Family Sharing is that it can be difficult to control what your family members can access and share. While you can set up parental controls and other restrictions, these settings can be complex to manage, and they may not always work as expected.
This can be a concern, especially if you have younger family members who are using your devices. You may need to spend a lot of time managing and monitoring their usage, which can be challenging, especially if you have multiple family members using the same devices.
Disadvantage #5: Potential for Conflicts
Using Family Sharing can sometimes lead to conflicts and confusion within families. For example, if multiple family members want to use the same app or service at the same time, it can lead to conflicts over access and usage.
Additionally, if family members make purchases that aren’t shared, it can lead to misunderstandings and frustration. This can be a significant issue, especially if you have a large family or if there are differing opinions about how to use shared content.
While there are certainly advantages to using Apple Family Sharing, it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides as well. From limited sharing options to complexity of setup, there are some potential challenges to using this service.
However, if you’re willing to work through these challenges, Family Sharing can be an excellent way to save money on purchases and stay connected with your family members. So, if you’re considering using Apple Family Sharing, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully and decide if this service is right for you and your family.