Apple will introduce Time Allowances in iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS 14—a new feature designed to give parents more granular control over their children’s screen time across Entertainment, Games, and Social Media apps. The system, which replaces Screen Time limits, uses age-based recommendations developed with child development experts to help parents set more flexible boundaries. Developers will need to update their apps to comply with new categorization requirements starting in mid-2024.
According to Apple’s developer documentation and reports from multiple technology outlets, Time Allowances will allow parents to adjust default time limits based on their child’s age, with the ability to override these settings as needed. The feature represents a shift toward more personalized parental controls, though it maintains strict categorization rules for developers to follow.
This update comes as tech companies face increasing scrutiny over children’s digital well-being. While Apple has not yet released a public beta for iOS 17, the company’s developer documentation confirms the feature’s inclusion in the upcoming operating system releases. Here’s what parents and developers need to know about the changes.
What Are Time Allowances, and How Do They Work?
Time Allowances represent Apple’s evolution of its Screen Time parental controls, offering a more flexible approach to managing children’s app usage. Unlike the previous system, which used broad time limits across all apps, Time Allowances categorize apps into three distinct groups:
- Entertainment: Apps primarily designed for leisure, such as streaming services, music apps, and photo editors.
- Games: Interactive games and gaming platforms.
- Social Media: Apps that allow users to share, redistribute, or interact with user-generated content through feeds or similar discovery methods.
Parents will receive age-appropriate default time limits for each category, which they can adjust or override. For example, a 10-year-old might have a default 30-minute limit for Social Media apps, while a 16-year-old could have a 60-minute limit. These defaults are based on research from child development experts, though parents retain full control to modify them.
Unlike App Store categories, which influence how apps are discovered by users, Time Allowance categories are determined by specific criteria:
“Time Allowance categories are different from categories for user discovery on the App Store.” — Apple Developer Documentation
(Source: Apple Developer Documentation)
How Social Media Apps Are Categorized
The Social Media category is particularly notable because it is determined by functionality rather than the app’s primary purpose. Any app that allows users to:
- Redistribute content (e.g., sharing posts, reposting)
- Amplify content (e.g., liking, commenting, reacting)
- Interact with user-generated content through feeds or discovery methods
will be classified under Social Media for Time Allowances, regardless of its App Store category. This means even apps primarily categorized as Games or Entertainment could fall under Social Media if they include these features.
For example, a gaming app with in-app chat or a photo-editing app with a sharing feature would be subject to Social Media time limits if those features are enabled.
Key Changes for Developers: Compliance and Deadlines
Developers must update their apps to comply with the new Time Allowance system. The changes include:
- Updated Age Rating Questionnaire (Starting July 2024): Developers will need to indicate whether their app includes social media capabilities. This information will determine the app’s Time Allowance category and minimum age rating.
- Minimum Age Rating of 13+ for Social Media Apps: Apps with social media features will automatically receive a minimum age rating of 13+, unless developers can demonstrate that these features are disabled for users under 13.
- Declared Age Range API Requirement (Starting September 2024): Developers must use Apple’s Declared Age Range API to verify users’ ages and enforce age restrictions. This API will help ensure that social media features are only accessible to users 13 and older.
- Mandatory Compliance for App Store Submissions (Starting September 2024): New app versions or updates submitted to the App Store—or for notarization on alternative marketplaces—must include the social media capability declaration.
Apple’s documentation emphasizes that developers should design age-appropriate experiences and set accurate age ratings to ensure compliance. The company provides guidelines for using the Declared Age Range API to verify users’ ages and restrict access to social media features for younger audiences.
“Design safe and age-appropriate experiences for your apps and games. Set an age rating and use the Declared Age Range API to check users’ age ranges.” — Apple Developer Documentation
(Source: Apple Developer Documentation)
What Happens If Social Media Features Are Disabled for Under-13 Users?
If a developer indicates that their app includes social media capabilities but disables these features for users under 13, the app will:
- Not be included in the Social Media Time Allowance category for users under 13.
- Still be grouped under Entertainment or Games based on its primary or secondary App Store category.
- Remain in the Social Media category for users 13 and above.
This approach allows developers to offer social media features to older users while complying with child safety regulations. However, the overall age rating of the app may still be influenced by other factors in the age rating questionnaire.
Why This Matters: Balancing Innovation and Child Safety
Apple’s introduction of Time Allowances reflects broader industry trends toward greater transparency and control over children’s digital experiences. With concerns growing over screen time, mental health, and online safety, tech companies are under pressure to implement stricter safeguards.
According to a Commonwealth report, excessive screen time among children is linked to sleep disturbances, reduced physical activity, and potential impacts on cognitive development. Time Allowances align with recommendations from child development experts who advocate for structured digital habits.
For developers, the new system introduces additional compliance requirements but also presents an opportunity to align with Apple’s growing emphasis on privacy and safety. Apps that fail to comply with the new rules risk being rejected from the App Store or facing penalties during notarization for alternative distribution.
How Parents Can Prepare for Time Allowances
While iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS 14 are not yet publicly available, parents can start preparing by:
- Reviewing current Screen Time settings: Familiarize yourself with the existing Screen Time controls to understand how Time Allowances may differ.
- Exploring family sharing features: Use Family Sharing to manage multiple devices and set consistent rules across iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
- Staying updated on Apple’s announcements: Follow Apple’s official channels for updates on the release timeline and new features.
Apple has not yet confirmed a specific release date for iOS 17, but the company typically announces new operating systems at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Based on past patterns, iOS 17 could launch in the fall of 2023.
What Developers Need to Do Now
Developers should begin preparing for the changes by:
- Reviewing their app’s categorization in App Store Connect: Ensure primary and secondary categories are accurately set, as these will influence Time Allowance placement.
- Assessing social media features: Determine if the app includes capabilities that would classify it under Social Media for Time Allowances.
- Updating age ratings and questionnaires: Prepare to indicate social media capabilities in the updated age rating questionnaire by July 2024.
- Implementing the Declared Age Range API: Integrate this API to verify users’ ages and restrict access to social media features for under-13 users.
- Testing compliance with new rules: Ensure that social media features are properly disabled for users under 13 to avoid misclassification.
Apple provides detailed documentation on the Declared Age Range API and age rating questionnaire to help developers comply with the new requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Time Allowances replace Screen Time limits in iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS 14, offering more flexible controls for parents.
- Apps are categorized into Entertainment, Games, and Social Media based on functionality, not just App Store categories.
- Social Media apps require a minimum age rating of 13+ unless features are disabled for under-13 users.
- Developers must update their apps by September 2024 to comply with new social media capability declarations.
- The Declared Age Range API is mandatory for verifying users’ ages and enforcing age restrictions.
- Parents retain full control to adjust default time limits based on their child’s needs.
FAQ: Common Questions About Time Allowances
Time Allowances are a more flexible and category-specific evolution of Screen Time. While Screen Time used broad time limits across all apps, Time Allowances allow parents to set separate limits for Entertainment, Games, and Social Media—with age-appropriate defaults that can be customized.
No. Your app will only be categorized under Social Media if it includes features that allow users to redistribute, amplify, or interact with user-generated content through feeds or similar discovery methods. Developers must indicate these capabilities in the updated age rating questionnaire.
Apps that fail to comply with the new Time Allowance requirements risk rejection from the App Store or penalties during notarization for alternative distribution platforms. Apple may also adjust your app’s age rating or categorization if the information provided is inaccurate.
Your app’s age rating may be influenced by the new social media capability declaration, but the overall rating is still determined by the age rating questionnaire. If you indicate social media features but disable them for under-13 users, your app may receive a lower age rating based on other factors.
Apple has not yet announced an official release date for iOS 17, but based on historical patterns, it is expected to launch in the fall of 2023, following the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.
Next Steps and Official Updates
Apple has not yet provided a public beta for iOS 17, but developers can access beta versions through the Apple Developer Program. Parents and developers should monitor Apple’s official channels for updates on the release timeline and additional details about Time Allowances.
For the latest information, visit:
If you’re a developer, ensure you’re subscribed to Apple’s developer notifications to receive updates on compliance deadlines and technical requirements.
Have questions or insights about Time Allowances? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on our social media channels. For developers, we encourage you to review Apple’s documentation and start preparing your apps for the upcoming changes.