For those who are not familiar with apple’s ecosystem, you will notice that when creating an iCloud account, there is an option for joining family group. But, what is Apple Family Sharing and should one jump in and make a family group or join one? Now, let’s look into the details of how it is done, what advantages are in it, and the questions people have in mind.
What Is Apple Family Sharing?
Apple Family Sharing enables one to group a maximum of six people including himself/ herself to share apple services and applications. The group has a single administrator who has a capability of inviting other people and can also uninvite people from the group.
It is possible to create a group with anybody; this could be relatives, friends or even people you barely know. It is not necessary that the group is to be filled up; it can be a group of less than six people as per one’s requirement.
The advantages of having Apple Family Sharing;
Thus, Apple Family Sharing has its advantages mainly in sharing different kinds of digital content and services. Some of the major benefits include:Some of the major benefits include:
- Shared Subscriptions: If one member of the family pays for a service, for instance Apple TV+ or Apple Arcade, everybody else in the family is also able to use it at no extra charge. For instance, Apple TV+ subscription goes for €9. This service goes for 99 dollars per month but one person has to pay while the rest can watch for free.
- Cost-Effective Apple Music: If you go for the family Apple Music subscription, you will be able to spend much less per person. While the usual fee per person is €10, the family package makes the cost to be shared among the members and it is less than a €3 per head.
- Shared iCloud Storage: In the new year, family members are allowed to use the iCloud storage and even the 200GB plan without being able to access each other’s personal files or photos. Nevertheless, the so called shared folders can be developed with the idea of their further joint use.
- Apple One Bundle: In total, the price will be €25. The Apple One family plan costs $9. 95 per month and it includes 200GB of storage on iCloud, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade. Divided into six people, it is only €4 per person. 33 per person.
Frequently Asked Questions
All in all, is Apple Family Sharing free?
No, the Family Sharing service is actually free but the features that comes with the service are not free. You do not have to pay for the services in order to create a family group.
Does all the members need to be real life family?
Apple does not limit the group to only biological family members. It’s possible to invite friends or at least acquaintances, even if they are located in different cities.
Does it mean that the members of the family can be from another country?
No, they can’t. It is because, Apple TV+ and Apple Music are priced differently if the family members are residing in the same country or not.
Can one share application with the other members of the group?
Yes, most of the paid applications can be installed for several family members, which will help all the members to use the apps with the single purchase.
In what way is the data protected in Family Sharing?
Absolutely. Your other members of the group will not be able to access your documents, pictures or even your location in the map unless you decide to make them accessible.
Is it possible to link the payment method with the other family members’ accounts?
Yes, the group administrator is allowed to share his or her payment information with the family. This is helpful for parents who wish to rein in their children’s spending. You can also set a feature called “Ask to Buy” for children, in which you have to authorize purchases.
Is it possible for two people to use the same apple ID?
No, every person requires his or her own Apple ID, and each ID is allowed to be in only one family group.
Apple’s Family Sharing is a great way of optimizing the use of Apple services and minimize costs that come with using the devices and services in the household or with close friends.