Prevent access to the Screen Time API without guardian approval and provide opaque tokens that represent apps and websites.

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Request for access to Family Controls entitlement
I have filled the form to request for this access, but it has been 15 days now and I haven’t gotten any feedback. Apple Support said the appropriate team will be in contact with me once it has been approved. It’s been 15 days and still nothing. I just want to know how long it would take, and Apple’s WWDC 2025 is around the corner, I was really looking forward to get this done before then.
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170
May ’25
DeviceActivityReport inside SwiftUI Button doesn’t receive tap gestures (ScreenTime API, iOS 17+)
Hi everyone, I’m experimenting with the new ScreenTime DeviceActivityReport view in SwiftUI (iOS 17 / Xcode 15). My goal is to show the report inside a Button (or, more generally, capture any tap on it) so that I can push a detail screen when the user selects it. Here’s the minimal code that reproduces the issue: import FamilyControls import DeviceActivity import SwiftUI struct ScreenTimeView: View { let center = AuthorizationCenter.shared @State private var context: DeviceActivityReport.Context = .init(rawValue: "Total Activity") @State private var filter = DeviceActivityFilter( segment: .hourly( during: Calendar.current.dateInterval(of: .day, for: .now)! ), users: .all, devices: .init([.iPhone, .iPad]) ) var body: some View { ZStack { DeviceActivityReport(context, filter: filter) } .onAppear { Task { do { try await center.requestAuthorization(for: .individual) } catch { print("Authorization failed:", error) } } } } } struct ContentView: View { var body: some View { ScrollViewReader { _ in ScrollView(showsIndicators: false) { VStack { Button { print("BUTTON TAPPED") // ← never fires } label: { ScreenTimeView() .frame(height: UIScreen.main.bounds.height * 1.4) } } } } } } ** What happens** DeviceActivityReport renders correctly with hourly bars. Tapping anywhere inside the Button does not trigger print("BUTTON TAPPED"). I’ve tried replacing Button with .onTapGesture, adding .contentShape(Rectangle()), and .allowsHitTesting(true), but nothing registers. What I’ve checked Authorisation succeeds—calling code in .onAppear prints no errors. Removing DeviceActivityReport and replacing it with a plain Rectangle() lets the tap gesture fire, so the issue seems specific to DeviceActivityReport.
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May ’25
Screen Time API: How to map bundleIdentifier to ApplicationToken for DeviceActivityMonitor when FamilyActivitySelection.Application.bundleIdentifier is nil?
I'm using FamilyActivityPicker to get consent for app/category management, which returns a FamilyActivitySelection object. I serialize this FamilyActivitySelection object (just applicationTokens and categoryTokens) and pass it to my DeviceActivityMonitor extension via App Group UserDefaults. I am using the JSON encoder/decoder over PropertyList (though both seem to exhibit the same behavior). After inspecting the FamilyActivitySelection object immediately after it's returned by FamilyActivityPicker in the main app, the application.bundleIdentifier property is consistently nil for every Application object within selection.applications. Similarly, category.localizedDisplayName is nil for ActivityCategory objects. This happens whether "Select All Apps" is used or if apps/categories are selected individually. I understand that this is the intended behavior due to Apple's user privacy policies. I read on another post that my app can be provided with bundle identifiers and app names within Shield Configuration extensions and Device Activity Report extensions - I'm not sure which ones or how exactly to do this. I am aware that I can use Label(applicationToken) SwiftUI view to display the app name/icon, but this doesn't give programmatic access to the bundleIdentifier string. My app will not log or export these bundleIdentifiers outside of its sandbox. My goal is to create mappings to the FamilyActivitySelection with the publicly accessible bundleIdentifiers. Any guidance, examples, or clarification on the intended workflow for this scenario would be greatly appreciated!
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May ’25
FamilyControls API access
I’m requesting access to the Family Controls API for an iOS app currently in development. I’ve submitted the request through the official form here: https://developer.apple.com/contact/request/family-controls-distribution However, after submitting, I receive no confirmation email or support ticket ID. The page only shows a “Thank you for requesting the API” message, and I’m left without a way to track or confirm the request. This entitlement is essential for my app’s functionality, and I need to move forward with development and testing. Can someone from the Apple team please confirm receipt of the request and provide guidance on the next steps or estimated timelines?
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384
May ’25
FamilyActivityTitleView Label has wrong text color when app is using different than system theme
Hello, In a new app I am working on I noticed the FamilyActivityTitleView that displays "ApplicationToken" has wrong (black) color when phone is set to light mode but app is using dark mode via override. We display user's selected apps and the labels are rendered correctly at first, but then when user updates selection with FamilyActivityPicker, then those newly added apps are rendered with black titles. The problem goes away when I close the screen and open it again. It also doesn't happen when phone is set to dark theme. I am currently noticing the issue on iOS 18.4.1. I have tried various workarounds like forcing white text in the custom label style, forcing re-render with custom .id value but nothing helped. Is there any way how to fix this?
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142
May ’25
Clarification on ManagedSettings Shield Precedence (Application vs. Category)
I'm encountering what appears to be a specific precedence behavior with ManagedSettingsStore.shield and would appreciate some further clarification. My current understanding is that category-level shields take precedence over individual app allowances. My test involved... Using FamilyActivityPicker to select a single target application (e.g., "Calculator," which falls under the "Utilities" category). Using FamilyActivityPicker again to select the category of that target application. I applied shields using ManagedSettingsStore (named .individual): store.shield.applicationCategories = .specific(Set([utilitiesCategoryToken])) store.shield.applications = Set([calculatorApplicationToken]) Result: The calculator app remains shielded, suggesting that the category-level shield on Utilities overrides the attempt to allow the individual app. I also tried this using a single picker, but received only the category token instead of all application tokens in that category. Is this observed precedence (where store.shield.applicationCategories effectively overrides store.shield.applications for apps within the shielded category) the intended behavior? If so, are there any mechanisms available within the main app's capabilities (potentially using a Device Activity Report Extension or Shield Extension) to allow a specific ApplicationToken if its corresponding ActivityCategoryToken is part of the store.shield.applicationCategories set? Essentially, can store.shield.applications be used to create "allow exceptions" for individual apps that fall into an otherwise shielded category? Additionally, I mentioned that selecting an entire category in the picker only returns the opaque category token, not any application tokens. Is there any way in which I could return both the category and all application tokens by just selecting the category? Any insights or pointers would be greatly appreciated!
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May ’25
Recently used applications on guardian phone - FamilyControls, DeviceActivityReport
For an iOS app that runs in both child and parent mode across iOS devices. On the child device, with Family Controls enabled using .child permissions via AuthorizationCenter.requestAuthorization(for: .child). Is any way to display a list of recently used apps by the child on the parent (guardian) device, in a privacy-preserving and Apple-compliant way?
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May ’25
FamilyControls App Blocking Not Working for External TestFlight Testers
Hi everyone, I'm following up on this post I made earlier about an issue I'm having with FamilyControls and the DeviceActivityMonitor extension not working for external TestFlight testers. To briefly recap: I have official Apple approval for the com.apple.developer.family-controls entitlement (distribution) The entitlement is added to both my main app and the DeviceActivityMonitor extension The App Group is correctly configured for both targets On internal TestFlight builds, everything works as expected: app blocking works, the extension runs, and selected apps are shielded. On external TestFlight builds, users get the Screen Time permission prompt, can select apps to block, but nothing is blocked. Since that post, I submitted a Code Level Support request, and Apple asked me to file a bug report via Feedback Assistant. I did that almost a month ago. The only reply I’ve received since is that they can’t give a timeframe or guarantee it will be resolved. I'm stuck in limbo with no updates and no fix. This feature is critical to my app and I cannot launch without it. I’ve reached out to other developers who use app blocking, and none of them have run into this issue. My setup seems correct, and Apple has not said otherwise. If anyone has experienced something similar, found a workaround, or knows how to get real movement on a bug report like this, I would really appreciate any help. It’s been weeks, and I just want to launch my app. Thanks so much.
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May ’25
StoreKit2, IAP not instantly shared with Family
Hey folks! In one of our apps we're using the FamilyControls framework to manage the screentime for the child. The app requires the Guardian to activate a subscription on his/her device to enable the functionality for the Child on the child device. We're currently using StoreKit 2 to get notified when there is an active subscription. The issue we're seeing (and our users) is that an activated subscription isn't instantly propagated to the Family members, in this case the device belonging to the child. Is this a known bug, and are the possible any workarounds? Currently we have to ask our users to "Restore Purchase" or wait minutes/hours for the app to active, which isn't a viable solution. We want it to "just work" :) Sincerely, César Pinto Castillo Ambi Studio
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May ’25
Error Domain=FamilyControls.FamilyControlsError Code=2 "(null)"
An error was reported when requesting permissions on devices with iOS 16.2 16.3. It is not an emulator. Through the log records, the following Error message appears Error Domain=FamilyControls.FamilyControlsError Code=3 "(null)" Error Domain=FamilyControls.FamilyControlsError Code=4 "(null)" Error Domain=FamilyControls.FamilyControlsError Code=5 "(null)" func requestScreenTime() async -> Bool { do { try await AuthorizationCenter.shared.requestAuthorization(for: .individual) return AuthorizationCenter.shared.authorizationStatus == .approved } catch { print("\(error)") return false } }
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May ’25
Family Control Entitlements not recognized when distributing
I have been approved for family controls entitlements and see them in my apple certificates for my bundle identifier. I see them listed for Distribution in my Runner, however, when I try to distribute I get the error that I do not have the right permissions. Do I need to get the entitlements for each extension I have as well? I have three extensions that use the family controls.
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May ’25
Extend Family Control permission to app's extensions
I have tried multiple time through multiple channels and you have yet to respond to my request. I am developing an App on xcode APP Bundle ID: garymdmd.MediaPace Apple ID: 6740823496 Apple has granted me distribution use of the Family Control/Screentime module for my main app. According to your engineer's post here: https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/764919 That permission should be extended to your extensions that are part of the app. When you try to setup the extension identifiers they do not show the "added capabilities" column that sow sup when getting permission for the main app so you are not able to endow the extension with these permissions which seem to be needed to work with the app. I am trying to add these bundle identifier extensions: garymdmd.MediaPace.ScreenTimeMonitorDuo garymdmd.MediaPace.DeviceActivityReport Can you please tell me how to get this to work or to add permissions to these extensions. I have sent in the request form multiple times (here - https://developer.apple.com/contact/request/family-controls-distribution) and Apple simply writes back that I have permission after a few weeks but nothing changes for the extension capabilities.
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May ’25
Apps remain blocked after being unselected
Hi everyone, We're using the react-native-device-activity package to implement app blocking via Apple's Screen Time API. The blocking functionality works well: when the user selects apps and taps "Done," those apps get blocked as expected. However, we're facing an issue with unblocking apps that the user later unselects. Even after the user unchecks some apps and taps "Done" again, those previously selected (now unselected) apps remain blocked and still show the shield.
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May ’25
Issue with Universal Links and App Extension (ShieldAction Handler)
Issue with Universal Links and App Extension (ShieldAction Handler) I'm currently working on a POC app using the FamilyControls framework and facing an issue when trying to open a Universal Link from an app extension, specifically from a ShieldAction handler. When I try to open a Universal Link, I encounter the following error: Failed to open URL https://sixteen-server-c008110f8759.herokuapp.com/.well-known/apple-app-site-association: Error Domain=FBSOpenApplicationServiceErrorDomain Code=1 "The request to open 'com.apple.mobilesafari' failed." UserInfo={BSErrorCodeDescription=RequestDenied, NSUnderlyingError=0x14f2d90b0 {Error Domain=FBSOpenApplicationErrorDomain Code=3 "Application com.sixteen.life is neither visible nor entitled, so may not perform un-trusted user actions." UserInfo={BSErrorCodeDescription=Security, NSLocalizedFailureReason=Application com.sixteen.life is neither visible nor entitled, so may not perform un-trusted user actions.}} Context: I’m using a ShieldAction handler as part of an App Extension to trigger the action (e.g., "Break in Shield") in my app. The app extension (ShieldAction handler) is responsible for trying to open the Universal Link. I’m encountering the error because the app is not visible or entitled to perform this action, which seems to be related to security restrictions when using App Extensions. Questions: App Extension and Universal Link Interaction: Is it possible for an App Extension (like ShieldAction handler) to open a Universal Link or trigger an external app, such as Safari, even though it is not the foreground app? Entitlements for App Extensions: Are there any specific entitlements or permissions required to allow an app extension (ShieldAction handler) to open Universal Links or perform actions like opening Safari from the background? App Visibility and State: How can I ensure that my app is in the right state (visible/active) and has the necessary entitlements to trigger these actions when running in the context of an app extension? Workaround: If this behavior is restricted due to app extension limitations, what would be the recommended workaround to handle launching external apps (like Safari) or Universal Links from within an app extension?
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May ’25
How does an app like Jomo access Screen Time data on parent devices (not just child devices)?
Hi all, I'm working on a Screen Time-based app with gamification features for families, where both children and parents interact and compare usage stats. The endgoal of the app is to motivate for less screentime or more use of productive apps. I'm testing Apple's Family Controls API, which works great for getting data from child devices. However, this API doesn't support fetching screen time data on the parent device itself. Apps like Jomo appear to provide insights and even their own "calculations" on screen time usage directly on the parent device. I have tested a few apps that showed both the usage data for my children and myself and did some nice things with it like creating stats. I've gone through the documentation and APIs extensively, but I can’t figure out how they’re doing this. As far as I can tell the only solution would be a custom VPN or MDM. However as far as I can tell Jomo for example does not use either of those. My questions are: Am I missing some API Are apps like Jomo using private APIs which they have been granted access to from Apple? Is there any way to access similar data on a parent device without using MDM or VPN? Any guidance or clarification would be greatly appreciated!
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May ’25
Reshield apps after certain time?
So I have been working with the screen time api. however I still cant get it to work to reshield certain apps after a certain time because for example Dispatch Queue just gets terminated after a certain time. This is my code right now but the reshielding doesn't get called. Please help I have been working on this since weeks and weeks. import ManagedSettings import DeviceActivity import Foundation class ShieldActionExtension: ShieldActionDelegate { let store = ManagedSettingsStore() let center = DeviceActivityCenter() override func handle(action: ShieldAction, for application: ApplicationToken, completionHandler: @escaping (ShieldActionResponse) -> Void) { switch action { case .primaryButtonPressed: // Unshield the app store.shield.applications?.remove(application) // Encode and persist ApplicationToken if let encoded = try? PropertyListEncoder().encode([application]) { UserDefaults(suiteName: "group.Organization.BrainRipe.cmonnow")?.set(encoded, forKey: "StoredApplicationTokens") } let unshieldDurationMinutes = 2 let now = Date() guard let endDate = Calendar.current.date(byAdding: .minute, value: unshieldDurationMinutes, to: now) else { completionHandler(.close) return } let activityName = DeviceActivityName("com.myapp.shield.reapply") let schedule = DeviceActivitySchedule( intervalStart: Calendar.current.dateComponents([.hour, .minute], from: now), intervalEnd: Calendar.current.dateComponents([.hour, .minute], from: endDate), repeats: false ) do { try center.startMonitoring(activityName, during: schedule) } catch { print("Error starting monitoring: \(error)") } completionHandler(.close) case .secondaryButtonPressed: completionHandler(.defer) @unknown default: fatalError("Unhandled ShieldAction case.") } } } import DeviceActivity import ManagedSettings import Foundation // Optionally override any of the functions below. // Make sure that your class name matches the NSExtensionPrincipalClass in your Info.plist. class DeviceActivityMonitorExtension: DeviceActivityMonitor { let store = ManagedSettingsStore() override func intervalDidStart(for activity: DeviceActivityName) { super.intervalDidStart(for: activity) // Handle the start of the interval. } override func intervalDidEnd(for activity: DeviceActivityName) { guard let data = UserDefaults(suiteName: "group.Organization.BrainRipe.cmonnow")?.data(forKey: "StoredApplicationTokens"), let tokens = try? PropertyListDecoder().decode([ApplicationToken].self, from: data) else { return } let tokenSet = Set(tokens) if store.shield.applications == nil { store.shield.applications = tokenSet } else { store.shield.applications?.formUnion(tokenSet) } // Clear tokens after use UserDefaults(suiteName: "group.Organization.BrainRipe.cmonnow")?.removeObject(forKey: "StoredApplicationTokens") } }
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May ’25
How to get the bundleIdentifier or app name from FamilyActivitySelection's applicationTokens?
I'm working with the FamilyControls and DeviceActivity frameworks in iOS (Swift). In my app, I collect selected apps using a FamilyActivitySelection, and I access the selected apps via selection.applicationTokens, which gives me a Set. I would like to get either the bundle identifier or the display name of the selected apps from these ApplicationTokens. I tried creating an Application instance using: let app = Application(token: token) print(app.bundleIdentifier) print(app.localizedDisplayName) However, both bundleIdentifier and localizedDisplayName are always nil. My questions are: Outside the extension (in the main app), how can I get the bundleIdentifier or display name from an ApplicationToken? Is there an Apple-recommended way to resolve a Token into something human-readable or usable? If not, what is the best practice to store or identify user-selected apps for later use? Environment: iOS 17, Swift 5, Using FamilyControls and DeviceActivity APIs. Thank you for any help!
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Apr ’25
Does Apple Screen Time API Allow Access to App Usage Data for Custom Rewards?
Hi everyone, I'm working on an app for parents and kids where parents can define screen time goals or restrict usage of certain app categories (like social media or games). If the kid follows those rules—for example, by using their device less or avoiding restricted categories—they would earn points or rewards in the app. I’ve been exploring if the Apple Screen Time API allows developers to access this kind of data (like total screen time, app usage by category, etc.) so that I can track the kid’s behavior and reward them accordingly. Is it possible to programmatically access this data and implement such a reward system within my app? If so, what’s the best way to get started or which APIs should I look into? Thanks in advance for your help!
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Apr ’25
Request for access to Family Controls entitlement
I have filled the form to request for this access, but it has been 15 days now and I haven’t gotten any feedback. Apple Support said the appropriate team will be in contact with me once it has been approved. It’s been 15 days and still nothing. I just want to know how long it would take, and Apple’s WWDC 2025 is around the corner, I was really looking forward to get this done before then.
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170
Activity
May ’25
DeviceActivityReport inside SwiftUI Button doesn’t receive tap gestures (ScreenTime API, iOS 17+)
Hi everyone, I’m experimenting with the new ScreenTime DeviceActivityReport view in SwiftUI (iOS 17 / Xcode 15). My goal is to show the report inside a Button (or, more generally, capture any tap on it) so that I can push a detail screen when the user selects it. Here’s the minimal code that reproduces the issue: import FamilyControls import DeviceActivity import SwiftUI struct ScreenTimeView: View { let center = AuthorizationCenter.shared @State private var context: DeviceActivityReport.Context = .init(rawValue: "Total Activity") @State private var filter = DeviceActivityFilter( segment: .hourly( during: Calendar.current.dateInterval(of: .day, for: .now)! ), users: .all, devices: .init([.iPhone, .iPad]) ) var body: some View { ZStack { DeviceActivityReport(context, filter: filter) } .onAppear { Task { do { try await center.requestAuthorization(for: .individual) } catch { print("Authorization failed:", error) } } } } } struct ContentView: View { var body: some View { ScrollViewReader { _ in ScrollView(showsIndicators: false) { VStack { Button { print("BUTTON TAPPED") // ← never fires } label: { ScreenTimeView() .frame(height: UIScreen.main.bounds.height * 1.4) } } } } } } ** What happens** DeviceActivityReport renders correctly with hourly bars. Tapping anywhere inside the Button does not trigger print("BUTTON TAPPED"). I’ve tried replacing Button with .onTapGesture, adding .contentShape(Rectangle()), and .allowsHitTesting(true), but nothing registers. What I’ve checked Authorisation succeeds—calling code in .onAppear prints no errors. Removing DeviceActivityReport and replacing it with a plain Rectangle() lets the tap gesture fire, so the issue seems specific to DeviceActivityReport.
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225
Activity
May ’25
Screen Time API: How to map bundleIdentifier to ApplicationToken for DeviceActivityMonitor when FamilyActivitySelection.Application.bundleIdentifier is nil?
I'm using FamilyActivityPicker to get consent for app/category management, which returns a FamilyActivitySelection object. I serialize this FamilyActivitySelection object (just applicationTokens and categoryTokens) and pass it to my DeviceActivityMonitor extension via App Group UserDefaults. I am using the JSON encoder/decoder over PropertyList (though both seem to exhibit the same behavior). After inspecting the FamilyActivitySelection object immediately after it's returned by FamilyActivityPicker in the main app, the application.bundleIdentifier property is consistently nil for every Application object within selection.applications. Similarly, category.localizedDisplayName is nil for ActivityCategory objects. This happens whether "Select All Apps" is used or if apps/categories are selected individually. I understand that this is the intended behavior due to Apple's user privacy policies. I read on another post that my app can be provided with bundle identifiers and app names within Shield Configuration extensions and Device Activity Report extensions - I'm not sure which ones or how exactly to do this. I am aware that I can use Label(applicationToken) SwiftUI view to display the app name/icon, but this doesn't give programmatic access to the bundleIdentifier string. My app will not log or export these bundleIdentifiers outside of its sandbox. My goal is to create mappings to the FamilyActivitySelection with the publicly accessible bundleIdentifiers. Any guidance, examples, or clarification on the intended workflow for this scenario would be greatly appreciated!
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241
Activity
May ’25
FamilyControls API access
I’m requesting access to the Family Controls API for an iOS app currently in development. I’ve submitted the request through the official form here: https://developer.apple.com/contact/request/family-controls-distribution However, after submitting, I receive no confirmation email or support ticket ID. The page only shows a “Thank you for requesting the API” message, and I’m left without a way to track or confirm the request. This entitlement is essential for my app’s functionality, and I need to move forward with development and testing. Can someone from the Apple team please confirm receipt of the request and provide guidance on the next steps or estimated timelines?
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384
Activity
May ’25
FamilyActivityTitleView Label has wrong text color when app is using different than system theme
Hello, In a new app I am working on I noticed the FamilyActivityTitleView that displays "ApplicationToken" has wrong (black) color when phone is set to light mode but app is using dark mode via override. We display user's selected apps and the labels are rendered correctly at first, but then when user updates selection with FamilyActivityPicker, then those newly added apps are rendered with black titles. The problem goes away when I close the screen and open it again. It also doesn't happen when phone is set to dark theme. I am currently noticing the issue on iOS 18.4.1. I have tried various workarounds like forcing white text in the custom label style, forcing re-render with custom .id value but nothing helped. Is there any way how to fix this?
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142
Activity
May ’25
Clarification on ManagedSettings Shield Precedence (Application vs. Category)
I'm encountering what appears to be a specific precedence behavior with ManagedSettingsStore.shield and would appreciate some further clarification. My current understanding is that category-level shields take precedence over individual app allowances. My test involved... Using FamilyActivityPicker to select a single target application (e.g., "Calculator," which falls under the "Utilities" category). Using FamilyActivityPicker again to select the category of that target application. I applied shields using ManagedSettingsStore (named .individual): store.shield.applicationCategories = .specific(Set([utilitiesCategoryToken])) store.shield.applications = Set([calculatorApplicationToken]) Result: The calculator app remains shielded, suggesting that the category-level shield on Utilities overrides the attempt to allow the individual app. I also tried this using a single picker, but received only the category token instead of all application tokens in that category. Is this observed precedence (where store.shield.applicationCategories effectively overrides store.shield.applications for apps within the shielded category) the intended behavior? If so, are there any mechanisms available within the main app's capabilities (potentially using a Device Activity Report Extension or Shield Extension) to allow a specific ApplicationToken if its corresponding ActivityCategoryToken is part of the store.shield.applicationCategories set? Essentially, can store.shield.applications be used to create "allow exceptions" for individual apps that fall into an otherwise shielded category? Additionally, I mentioned that selecting an entire category in the picker only returns the opaque category token, not any application tokens. Is there any way in which I could return both the category and all application tokens by just selecting the category? Any insights or pointers would be greatly appreciated!
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148
Activity
May ’25
Recently used applications on guardian phone - FamilyControls, DeviceActivityReport
For an iOS app that runs in both child and parent mode across iOS devices. On the child device, with Family Controls enabled using .child permissions via AuthorizationCenter.requestAuthorization(for: .child). Is any way to display a list of recently used apps by the child on the parent (guardian) device, in a privacy-preserving and Apple-compliant way?
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154
Activity
May ’25
FamilyControls App Blocking Not Working for External TestFlight Testers
Hi everyone, I'm following up on this post I made earlier about an issue I'm having with FamilyControls and the DeviceActivityMonitor extension not working for external TestFlight testers. To briefly recap: I have official Apple approval for the com.apple.developer.family-controls entitlement (distribution) The entitlement is added to both my main app and the DeviceActivityMonitor extension The App Group is correctly configured for both targets On internal TestFlight builds, everything works as expected: app blocking works, the extension runs, and selected apps are shielded. On external TestFlight builds, users get the Screen Time permission prompt, can select apps to block, but nothing is blocked. Since that post, I submitted a Code Level Support request, and Apple asked me to file a bug report via Feedback Assistant. I did that almost a month ago. The only reply I’ve received since is that they can’t give a timeframe or guarantee it will be resolved. I'm stuck in limbo with no updates and no fix. This feature is critical to my app and I cannot launch without it. I’ve reached out to other developers who use app blocking, and none of them have run into this issue. My setup seems correct, and Apple has not said otherwise. If anyone has experienced something similar, found a workaround, or knows how to get real movement on a bug report like this, I would really appreciate any help. It’s been weeks, and I just want to launch my app. Thanks so much.
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3
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252
Activity
May ’25
Screen Time hata
Cannot convert value of type '[ApplicationToken]' (aka 'Array<Token>') to expected argument type 'Binding'
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82
Activity
May ’25
StoreKit2, IAP not instantly shared with Family
Hey folks! In one of our apps we're using the FamilyControls framework to manage the screentime for the child. The app requires the Guardian to activate a subscription on his/her device to enable the functionality for the Child on the child device. We're currently using StoreKit 2 to get notified when there is an active subscription. The issue we're seeing (and our users) is that an activated subscription isn't instantly propagated to the Family members, in this case the device belonging to the child. Is this a known bug, and are the possible any workarounds? Currently we have to ask our users to "Restore Purchase" or wait minutes/hours for the app to active, which isn't a viable solution. We want it to "just work" :) Sincerely, César Pinto Castillo Ambi Studio
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3
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122
Activity
May ’25
Error Domain=FamilyControls.FamilyControlsError Code=2 "(null)"
An error was reported when requesting permissions on devices with iOS 16.2 16.3. It is not an emulator. Through the log records, the following Error message appears Error Domain=FamilyControls.FamilyControlsError Code=3 "(null)" Error Domain=FamilyControls.FamilyControlsError Code=4 "(null)" Error Domain=FamilyControls.FamilyControlsError Code=5 "(null)" func requestScreenTime() async -> Bool { do { try await AuthorizationCenter.shared.requestAuthorization(for: .individual) return AuthorizationCenter.shared.authorizationStatus == .approved } catch { print("\(error)") return false } }
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99
Activity
May ’25
Family Control Entitlements not recognized when distributing
I have been approved for family controls entitlements and see them in my apple certificates for my bundle identifier. I see them listed for Distribution in my Runner, however, when I try to distribute I get the error that I do not have the right permissions. Do I need to get the entitlements for each extension I have as well? I have three extensions that use the family controls.
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1
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157
Activity
May ’25
Extend Family Control permission to app's extensions
I have tried multiple time through multiple channels and you have yet to respond to my request. I am developing an App on xcode APP Bundle ID: garymdmd.MediaPace Apple ID: 6740823496 Apple has granted me distribution use of the Family Control/Screentime module for my main app. According to your engineer's post here: https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/764919 That permission should be extended to your extensions that are part of the app. When you try to setup the extension identifiers they do not show the "added capabilities" column that sow sup when getting permission for the main app so you are not able to endow the extension with these permissions which seem to be needed to work with the app. I am trying to add these bundle identifier extensions: garymdmd.MediaPace.ScreenTimeMonitorDuo garymdmd.MediaPace.DeviceActivityReport Can you please tell me how to get this to work or to add permissions to these extensions. I have sent in the request form multiple times (here - https://developer.apple.com/contact/request/family-controls-distribution) and Apple simply writes back that I have permission after a few weeks but nothing changes for the extension capabilities.
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2
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164
Activity
May ’25
Apps remain blocked after being unselected
Hi everyone, We're using the react-native-device-activity package to implement app blocking via Apple's Screen Time API. The blocking functionality works well: when the user selects apps and taps "Done," those apps get blocked as expected. However, we're facing an issue with unblocking apps that the user later unselects. Even after the user unchecks some apps and taps "Done" again, those previously selected (now unselected) apps remain blocked and still show the shield.
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120
Activity
May ’25
Issue with Universal Links and App Extension (ShieldAction Handler)
Issue with Universal Links and App Extension (ShieldAction Handler) I'm currently working on a POC app using the FamilyControls framework and facing an issue when trying to open a Universal Link from an app extension, specifically from a ShieldAction handler. When I try to open a Universal Link, I encounter the following error: Failed to open URL https://sixteen-server-c008110f8759.herokuapp.com/.well-known/apple-app-site-association: Error Domain=FBSOpenApplicationServiceErrorDomain Code=1 "The request to open 'com.apple.mobilesafari' failed." UserInfo={BSErrorCodeDescription=RequestDenied, NSUnderlyingError=0x14f2d90b0 {Error Domain=FBSOpenApplicationErrorDomain Code=3 "Application com.sixteen.life is neither visible nor entitled, so may not perform un-trusted user actions." UserInfo={BSErrorCodeDescription=Security, NSLocalizedFailureReason=Application com.sixteen.life is neither visible nor entitled, so may not perform un-trusted user actions.}} Context: I’m using a ShieldAction handler as part of an App Extension to trigger the action (e.g., "Break in Shield") in my app. The app extension (ShieldAction handler) is responsible for trying to open the Universal Link. I’m encountering the error because the app is not visible or entitled to perform this action, which seems to be related to security restrictions when using App Extensions. Questions: App Extension and Universal Link Interaction: Is it possible for an App Extension (like ShieldAction handler) to open a Universal Link or trigger an external app, such as Safari, even though it is not the foreground app? Entitlements for App Extensions: Are there any specific entitlements or permissions required to allow an app extension (ShieldAction handler) to open Universal Links or perform actions like opening Safari from the background? App Visibility and State: How can I ensure that my app is in the right state (visible/active) and has the necessary entitlements to trigger these actions when running in the context of an app extension? Workaround: If this behavior is restricted due to app extension limitations, what would be the recommended workaround to handle launching external apps (like Safari) or Universal Links from within an app extension?
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9
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474
Activity
May ’25
How does an app like Jomo access Screen Time data on parent devices (not just child devices)?
Hi all, I'm working on a Screen Time-based app with gamification features for families, where both children and parents interact and compare usage stats. The endgoal of the app is to motivate for less screentime or more use of productive apps. I'm testing Apple's Family Controls API, which works great for getting data from child devices. However, this API doesn't support fetching screen time data on the parent device itself. Apps like Jomo appear to provide insights and even their own "calculations" on screen time usage directly on the parent device. I have tested a few apps that showed both the usage data for my children and myself and did some nice things with it like creating stats. I've gone through the documentation and APIs extensively, but I can’t figure out how they’re doing this. As far as I can tell the only solution would be a custom VPN or MDM. However as far as I can tell Jomo for example does not use either of those. My questions are: Am I missing some API Are apps like Jomo using private APIs which they have been granted access to from Apple? Is there any way to access similar data on a parent device without using MDM or VPN? Any guidance or clarification would be greatly appreciated!
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1
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173
Activity
May ’25
Reshield apps after certain time?
So I have been working with the screen time api. however I still cant get it to work to reshield certain apps after a certain time because for example Dispatch Queue just gets terminated after a certain time. This is my code right now but the reshielding doesn't get called. Please help I have been working on this since weeks and weeks. import ManagedSettings import DeviceActivity import Foundation class ShieldActionExtension: ShieldActionDelegate { let store = ManagedSettingsStore() let center = DeviceActivityCenter() override func handle(action: ShieldAction, for application: ApplicationToken, completionHandler: @escaping (ShieldActionResponse) -> Void) { switch action { case .primaryButtonPressed: // Unshield the app store.shield.applications?.remove(application) // Encode and persist ApplicationToken if let encoded = try? PropertyListEncoder().encode([application]) { UserDefaults(suiteName: "group.Organization.BrainRipe.cmonnow")?.set(encoded, forKey: "StoredApplicationTokens") } let unshieldDurationMinutes = 2 let now = Date() guard let endDate = Calendar.current.date(byAdding: .minute, value: unshieldDurationMinutes, to: now) else { completionHandler(.close) return } let activityName = DeviceActivityName("com.myapp.shield.reapply") let schedule = DeviceActivitySchedule( intervalStart: Calendar.current.dateComponents([.hour, .minute], from: now), intervalEnd: Calendar.current.dateComponents([.hour, .minute], from: endDate), repeats: false ) do { try center.startMonitoring(activityName, during: schedule) } catch { print("Error starting monitoring: \(error)") } completionHandler(.close) case .secondaryButtonPressed: completionHandler(.defer) @unknown default: fatalError("Unhandled ShieldAction case.") } } } import DeviceActivity import ManagedSettings import Foundation // Optionally override any of the functions below. // Make sure that your class name matches the NSExtensionPrincipalClass in your Info.plist. class DeviceActivityMonitorExtension: DeviceActivityMonitor { let store = ManagedSettingsStore() override func intervalDidStart(for activity: DeviceActivityName) { super.intervalDidStart(for: activity) // Handle the start of the interval. } override func intervalDidEnd(for activity: DeviceActivityName) { guard let data = UserDefaults(suiteName: "group.Organization.BrainRipe.cmonnow")?.data(forKey: "StoredApplicationTokens"), let tokens = try? PropertyListDecoder().decode([ApplicationToken].self, from: data) else { return } let tokenSet = Set(tokens) if store.shield.applications == nil { store.shield.applications = tokenSet } else { store.shield.applications?.formUnion(tokenSet) } // Clear tokens after use UserDefaults(suiteName: "group.Organization.BrainRipe.cmonnow")?.removeObject(forKey: "StoredApplicationTokens") } }
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188
Activity
May ’25
Track monitoring of specific website
Hi, I want to track users screen time on websites. I want to track monitoring of specific website for that user will enter URL , we want to start monitoring and shield after threshold reached. but DeviceActivityEvent doesn't allow to enter specific URL domain for monitoring . How should I do monitoring then ?
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80
Activity
Apr ’25
How to get the bundleIdentifier or app name from FamilyActivitySelection's applicationTokens?
I'm working with the FamilyControls and DeviceActivity frameworks in iOS (Swift). In my app, I collect selected apps using a FamilyActivitySelection, and I access the selected apps via selection.applicationTokens, which gives me a Set. I would like to get either the bundle identifier or the display name of the selected apps from these ApplicationTokens. I tried creating an Application instance using: let app = Application(token: token) print(app.bundleIdentifier) print(app.localizedDisplayName) However, both bundleIdentifier and localizedDisplayName are always nil. My questions are: Outside the extension (in the main app), how can I get the bundleIdentifier or display name from an ApplicationToken? Is there an Apple-recommended way to resolve a Token into something human-readable or usable? If not, what is the best practice to store or identify user-selected apps for later use? Environment: iOS 17, Swift 5, Using FamilyControls and DeviceActivity APIs. Thank you for any help!
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2
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243
Activity
Apr ’25
Does Apple Screen Time API Allow Access to App Usage Data for Custom Rewards?
Hi everyone, I'm working on an app for parents and kids where parents can define screen time goals or restrict usage of certain app categories (like social media or games). If the kid follows those rules—for example, by using their device less or avoiding restricted categories—they would earn points or rewards in the app. I’ve been exploring if the Apple Screen Time API allows developers to access this kind of data (like total screen time, app usage by category, etc.) so that I can track the kid’s behavior and reward them accordingly. Is it possible to programmatically access this data and implement such a reward system within my app? If so, what’s the best way to get started or which APIs should I look into? Thanks in advance for your help!
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97
Activity
Apr ’25