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

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Help Setting Up Apple MDM Vendor-Signed CSR and Push Certificate
Hello, I have an Apple Developer Enterprise account, and Apple Support has already enabled MDM for my account. I successfully downloaded and installed my MDM Vendor Certificate (it shows up in Keychain as MDM Vendor: [My Company Name] with its private key). Here’s what I’ve done so far: Exported the Vendor Certificate + private key as a .p12, then converted to .pem and .key using OpenSSL. Generated an unsigned CSR with CN=com.apple.mgmt.External. using OpenSSL. Attempted to sign the CSR using: my Vendor certificate the Vendor private key Apple Worldwide Developer Relations (WWDR) intermediate certificate OpenSSL smime -sign command with DER output Problem: Every time I try to upload the vendor-signed CSR to the Apple Push Certificates Portal, I get an error (CSR rejected). Sometimes OpenSSL even fails with “unable to load certificates” depending on how the WWDR certificate is included. My Questions: What is the correct OpenSSL command and certificate chain Apple expects for signing the CSR? Do I need to include any additional intermediates besides WWDR? Is there an official Apple reference example for generating the vendor-signed CSR that the Push Certificates Portal will accept? Any guidance from the community (or someone who has successfully done this end-to-end) would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Sergio Sanchez
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415
Sep ’25
Xcode 16 DeviceActivityReport Extensions Require EXAppExtensionAttributes But App Store Rejects Them
I'm experiencing a conflict between Xcode 16's build requirements and App Store validation for DeviceActivityReport extensions. The Issue: Created a DeviceActivityReport extension using Xcode 16's template Extension builds and runs perfectly locally TestFlight upload fails with Apple saying EXAppExtensionAttributes is incorrect for widget extensions When I remove EXAppExtensionAttributes from Info.plist, local builds fail with: "Appex bundle does not define an EXAppExtensionAttributes dictionary" Current Info.plist (works locally, rejected by App Store): EXAppExtensionAttributes EXExtensionPointIdentifier com.apple.deviceactivityui.report-extension NSExtension NSExtensionPointIdentifier com.apple.deviceactivityui.report-extension NSExtensionPrincipalClass $(PRODUCT_MODULE_NAME).ActivityReportExtension The Problem: Xcode 16's "Device Activity Report Extension" template uses fileSystemSynchronizedGroups which appears to require the EX configuration format. But App Store validation rejects this format. Has anyone successfully uploaded a DeviceActivityReport extension created in Xcode 16? Any workarounds for this conflict between local build requirements and App Store validation? Using: Xcode 16.4, Family Controls entitlement (approved), iOS 18.5 SDK Thanks for any insights!
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187
Sep ’25
FamilyActivityPicker not showing in iOS 26
Hi, after updating to iOS 26 I'm encountering an issue where the FamilyActivityPicker no longer opens. No errors are shown in the console, it just never shows up. It works fine pre iOS 26. I've never had any issues with the picker showing up until iOS 26. My latest update was rejected because of this issue, but I've changed nothing in the code. Is anyone else experiencing this?
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118
Sep ’25
Testing Family Controls & Multicast Networking APIs - Educational Use Without Paid Developer Account?
Hi Apple Engineers and fellow developers, I'm a student developer working on an educational focus management app that helps users hide distracting apps during study sessions. The app consists of: macOS app: Simple "Hide apps" button that triggers app hidding sessions iOS app: Uses Screen Time API to temporarily hide selected apps from home screen Communication: Bonjour networking between Mac and iPhone for session coordination The Challenge My app requires two entitlements that aren't available with Personal Developer Teams: com.apple.developer.family-controls (for Screen Time API) com.apple.developer.networking.multicast (for Bonjour device discovery) Current Error Messages text Cannot create a iOS App Development provisioning profile for "focuser.focuser-app". Personal development teams, including "My Name", do not support the Family Controls (Development) capability. Provisioning profile doesn't include the com.apple.developer.family-controls and com.apple.developer.networking.multicast entitlements. My Question for Apple Engineers Is there any legitimate way to test these privacy-sensitive APIs on my own devices for educational/learning purposes without purchasing the $99/year Apple Developer Program membership? I understand the security reasons behind these restrictions, but as a student just learning iOS development, it creates a significant barrier to experimenting with these technologies.
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4w
Family Controls Capability Migration to New Bundle ID
Situation: I previously had Family Controls (Distribution) approved for a different bundle ID during initial development (for the same app I'm currently working on). I have since migrated to a new bundle ID to align with my app's branding and have already configured multiple third-party integrations (RevenueCat, backend services, etc.) with this new bundle ID. Request: In this scenario, can Apple please expedite the review process for Family Controls (Distribution) on the new bundle ID? The migration is necessary to maintain existing service integrations and avoid significant reconfiguration work for my app. Current Status: Submitted request for approval on new bundle ID over a week ago, still pending review.
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153
Oct ’25
Screen Time App Extensions Capabilities
I am building a screen time management app. It has the main app target, and then three extensions - those are the four targets in Xcode. The three extensions are: Shield Device Activity Monitor Device Activity Report Extension I requested "Family Controls (Distribution)" capability from Apple for the main app target / bundle ID, and it got approved. Do I need it for the extensions too? Because previously I had "Family Controls (Development)" for the extensions...
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4w
How to block large lists of domains (1000+) using Screen Time API?
I'm developing a parental control app that needs to block adult/18+ websites using the Screen Time API. I've run into scaling issues with 'ManagedSettings.webContent.blockedByFilter`. Environment: iOS 18.x, real device (iPhone) ManagedSettings framework Screen Time permissions granted Current Behavior: The Question: Commercial parental control apps successfully block tens of thousands of domains. What API or architecture should I be using to scale beyond 30-50 domains? Approaches I'm considering: Safari Content Blockers (limited to Safari only) Multiple ManagedSettingsStore instances Network Extension / DNS filtering A different Screen Time API approach What's the recommended way to block large domain lists (1000-60000+) across all apps and browsers? Any guidance appreciated! //33 domains - Works perfectly let blockedSites: Set<WebDomain> = [ WebDomain(domain: "example1.com"), WebDomain(domain: "example2.com"), // ... 31 more domains ] store.webContent.blockedByFilter = .specific(blockedSites) // All 33 domains blocked successfully // 101 domains - Complete failure (no domains blocked at all) let blockedSites: Set<WebDomain> = [ WebDomain(domain: "example1.com"), // ... 100 more domains ] store.webContent.blockedByFilter = .specific(blockedSites) // No errors thrown, but ZERO domains are blocked
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2w
Stuck waiting on Family Controls distribution entitlement, first indie app, looking for guidance/timelines
Hi everyone, solo iOS dev here. I’ve built a small focus app (“Modo”) that uses Apple’s Screen Time APIs to help curb social-media overuse. In development everything works: FamilyActivityPicker for selection, a DeviceActivityMonitor extension for schedules, and ManagedSettings shields (plus uninstall guard only while “Blocked” is active). I requested the Family Controls distribution entitlement so I can ship, but my capability request has been pending for a while and I’m not sure what the usual path forward is. What I’ve already done • Submitted the capability request (Account Holder), describing the use case (self-control / digital well-being), user consent flow,. • Implemented app + DeviceActivityMonitor + ManagedSettingsUI extensions; verified the debug build has the right entitlements and behavior. • Regenerated profiles after the request; checked codesign entitlements on the built targets. • Filed a Developer Support ticket referencing the capability request. I really appreciate any timelines, examples, or advice you can share. If an Apple engineer needs specifics (Team ID, request number), I can provide them as well. Thanks in advance!
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189
2w
Taking long time to load Device Activity Report
When I try to load the device activity report, it takes too long to load data. Is this because of development time? Will the problem be solved when the app is live on the App Store? If it does not depend on the development profile, then please give me a solution for the fast data loading in the device activity report extension. Thank you
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422
Nov ’24
Device activity report data View is hidding when change the tab
I am working on the device activity report. and fetched data is loading on the chart. I am developing app using TabbarController. when I go to another tab and come back to the chart screen, it disappears. Here, I am working on a storyboard using Swift language, and device activity reports can be fetched only with SwiftUI. So, the problem is with it? Following the current code. @State private var context: DeviceActivityReport.Context = .init(rawValue: "Daily Activity") @State private var report: DeviceActivityReport? @State private var filter = DeviceActivityFilter( segment: .daily( during: Calendar.current.dateInterval( of: .day, for: .now )! ) // users: .all // devices: .init([.iPhone, .iPad]) ) @State var isReload: Bool = false var body: some View { ZStack { if isReload { LoadingView(title: "Data is loading...") } else if let report = report { report } else { DeviceActivityReport(context, filter: filter) } } .onAppear { DispatchQueue.main.async { report = DeviceActivityReport(context, filter: filter) } } } struct LoadingView: View { var title: String = "Please wait..." var body: some View { HStack { ProgressView(title) .font(.system(size: 14, weight: .medium)) .progressViewStyle(.horizontal) .tint(Color(.darkGray)) .padding(8) } .background(Color(.white)) .cornerRadius(8) .clipped() } }
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Nov ’24
swift DeviceActivityReport run in background
DeviceActivityReport presents statistics for a device: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/deviceactivity/deviceactivityreport The problem: DeviceActivityReport can present statistics with a delay for a parent device (when DeviceActivityReport is presenting, the DeviceActivityReportExtension is called to process the statistics). One possible solution is to call DeviceActivityReport periodically throughout the day in a child device. However, the app will not be available all day. Is there any way to run DeviceActivityReport in the background? I have tried the following approach, but it didn’t work (DeviceActivityReportExtension didnt call): let hostingController: UIHostingController? = .init(rootView: DeviceActivityReport(context, filter: filter)) hostingController?.view.frame = .init(origin: .zero, size: .init(width: 100, height: 100)) hostingController?.beginAppearanceTransition(true, animated: false) hostingController?.loadView() hostingController?.viewDidLoad() try? await Task.sleep(for: .seconds(0.5)) hostingController?.viewWillAppear(true) hostingController?.viewWillLayoutSubviews() try? await Task.sleep(for: .seconds(0.5)) hostingController?.viewDidAppear(true) try? await Task.sleep(for: .seconds(0.5)) hostingController?.didMove(toParent: rootVC) try? await Task.sleep(for: .seconds(0.5)) hostingController?.viewWillLayoutSubviews() hostingController?.viewDidLayoutSubviews() hostingController?.view.layoutIfNeeded() hostingController?.view.layoutSubviews() hostingController?.endAppearanceTransition() Is there any way to run DeviceActivityReport in the background? (when app is not visible/closed). The main problem is call DeviceActivityReport
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Nov ’24
How to Share and Access Dynamically Updating Data Across Different Targets?
I have a app with two targets: a main DeviceActivityApp target and a DeviceReport target. In the DeviceReport target, I have a TotalActivityReport struct conforming to DeviceActivityReportScene. Inside its makeConfiguration method, I update a dynamically generated list of AppReport items. The list updates correctly in the DeviceReport target. // Define which context your scene will represent. let context: DeviceActivityReport.Context = .totalActivity // Define the custom configuration and the resulting view for this report. let content: (MonitorDeviceReport) -> TotalActivityViewFirst @ObservedObject var activityData:ActivityData func makeConfiguration(representing data: DeviceActivityResults<DeviceActivityData>) async -> MonitorDeviceReport { // Reformat the data into a configuration that can be used to create // the report's view. var appList:[AppsReport]=[] let totalActivityDuration = await data.flatMap { $0.activitySegments }.reduce(0, { $0 + $1.totalActivityDuration }) for await _data in data{ for await activity in _data.activitySegments{ for await category in activity.categories{ for await app in category.applications{ let name=app.application.localizedDisplayName ?? "No Name" let bundleId=app.application.bundleIdentifier ?? "nil" let duration=app.totalActivityDuration let appIcon=app.application.token let app=AppsReport(id:bundleId,duration:duration, name:name, icon:appIcon) appList.append(app) } } } } DispatchQueue.main.async { activityData.list=appList } return MonitorDeviceReport(duration:totalActivityDuration, apps:appList) } } public class ActivityData:ObservableObject{ @Published var list:[AppsReport]=[] public static let shared = ActivityData() }. // This is in MonitorReport target However, I need to access this dynamic list in my MyApp target, specifically in ContentView.swift. I tried using an ObservableObject (ActivityData) to share the data between targets, but the list always appears empty in the MyApp target. Here’s what I’ve tried so far: Created a shared ActivityData instance using @Published Passed the ActivityData instance to TotalActivityReport Used dependency injection and a singleton pattern for ActivityData Verified that makeConfiguration updates the list correctly in DeviceReport What could I be missing? How can I correctly share and access this data across targets?
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390
Nov ’24
Family Controls Issues with Multiple Functionalities
I am developing an application that utilizes Family Controls to restrict the use of certain apps. Currently, I am using the following extensions: DeviceActivityMonitor, ShieldConfiguration, and ShieldAction. Issue Overview: While blocking a single application functions correctly, a problem arises when implementing multiple functionalities that use these extensions for the same application. STEPS TO REPRODUCE Functionality 1: Maximum Time in App Description: Blocks the app after 15 minutes of continuous use. Functionality 2: Conscious Opening Description: Upon opening the app, it is blocked for 10 seconds and then automatically unlocked. Steps to Reproduce the Bug: Open the Application: The app opens normally. Trigger Functionality 2 The app is blocked and displays the blocking screen corresponding to Functionality 2: Conscious Opening. Continue Using the App After 10 seconds, the app unlocks, and I continue using it. Important: If the app is closed at this point, the bug does not occur. Trigger Functionality 1 After 15 Minutes After 15 minutes of continuous use, the app should block according to Functionality 1: Maximum Time in App. Expected Behavior: The blocking screen for Functionality 1 is displayed. Actual Behavior: The blocking screen for Functionality 2 is displayed instead. Technical Observations: By adding logs in ShieldConfiguration, I observed that the configuration does not refresh correctly when the app is blocked a second time while still in use. If the app is closed and reopened, the correct blocking screen for Functionality 1 is displayed as expected.
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Dec ’24
How to Filter App Usage for a Specific Time Period Using Screen Time API?
I am working on a SwiftUI app using the Screen Time API and the DeviceActivityReport view to display app usage data. My current implementation successfully shows daily app usage using a DeviceActivityFilter with the .daily(during:) segment. However, I need to filter this data to show app usage only for a specific time period during the day, e.g., 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. I created a DeviceActivityFilter with a .daily(during:) segment and passed a DateInterval for the desired time range: let now = Date() let startTime = calendar.date(bySettingHour: 16, minute: 0, second: 0, of: now)! let endTime = calendar.date(bySettingHour: 17, minute: 0, second: 0, of: now)! let timeInterval = DateInterval(start: startTime, end: endTime) let filter = DeviceActivityFilter( segment: .daily(during: timeInterval), users: .all, devices: .init([.iPhone]) ) I applied this filter to the DeviceActivityReport view: DeviceActivityReport(context, filter: filter) Even with the DateInterval set for the specific time range, the report still shows the total daily usage for each app, instead of restricting the results to the specified 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM range.
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408
Dec ’24
detect FamilyControlsMember type without requesting authorization
I have an iOS app that installs a Content Filter in order to block certain types of content at the network/socket level. The Family Controls framework stipulates that this can only be done successfully on a FamilyControlsMember.child account type (or on a supervised device). Our initial release has been really successful, but I would say that perhaps 75% of our users are .individual (probably over 18). Perhaps a topic for another forum post is to discuss how Apple's policy here doesn't seem to be meeting a real need here for non-minors, but I'll leave that alone for now. The problem we're facing is that as far as I can tell, the only way to determine if someone has the right account type is to initiate an authorization request using AuthorizationCenter.shared.requestAuthorization(for:) and then inspect the error. I think it could really help the usability of the app if we could detect the account type and preemptively show a helpful message if the authorization could not succeed, and recommend some alternatives. But I've looked so far in vain for some way to do this. Is there any api in Family Controls (or elsewhere) that can query the system for this information? Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!
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255
Dec ’24
Possible to access CoreData/Persistent storage from DeviceActivityReportExtension?
This is more a general question of whether it is possible to share persistent/coredata from the main app to Screentime-related extensions such as DeviceActivityReportExtension. I've set my code up (e.g., App Groups, files to different targets, using nspersistentcontainer with app group url, etc.) in a way that it builds, and the extension seems to recognize my CoreData schema (able to query using fetchrequest). But the data returned is always null. So i'm wondering if it is even possible to READ app data from the extension. I understand it is not possible to write or pass data from the extension back to the app. I've also been able to read data that was saved in main app from UserDefaults in my extension.
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425
Dec ’24
Family Control Request Form
I am writing to follow up on my request for Family Control permission, which I submitted through the appropriate form over a week ago. Unfortunately, I have not yet received any response or access to the requested permissions. Could you kindly provide an update on the status of my request? If any further information or action is needed from my end, please let me know.
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377
Dec ’24
Screen-time in Device Activity Report Extension vs In Phone Settings
Am showing daily screen-time of a user in my app in Device Activity Report Extension. The only way to get that is to sum up all the activityDuration of apps/categories/domains. But it differs a lot from phone's settings screen-time, why? I have debugged in details and counted manually the time spent on each app and it turned out that the calculation is appearing correctly in my app but Phone settings showing quite less time on top (Day).
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377
Jan ’25