This analysis describes what Apple's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This requirement protects children in Kids Category apps from commercial and external content by default, with access possible only through a parental control mechanism.
Interpretive note: The term 'other distractions to kids' is subjective and undefined in the excerpt, leaving its scope uncertain beyond the named examples of links and purchases.
The updated guidelines state that developers must ensure kids receive age-appropriate experiences within their apps and must remove user-generated content that violates the guidelines, terms of service, or community standards. Under the revised policy, if Apple identifies policy-violating content, the developer will be asked to remove it and provide a compliance improvement plan. Based on the developer's response, the app may be removed from the App Store until compliance is demonstrated. This establishes a formal escalation pathway where developer inaction or inadequate remediation can result in app suspension or removal.
View change record →Parents can expect that Kids Category apps will not expose children to external links, purchasing prompts, or distracting content unless those elements are locked behind a parental gate.
How other platforms handle this
The names you choose and criteria you establish for your events, conversions, and any custom audiences you create must not reflect, imply or be based on any category of information described in this Section 1.h.
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"These apps must not include links out of the app, purchasing opportunities, or other distractions to kids unless reserved for a designated area behind a parental gate.— Excerpt from Apple's Apple App Store Review Guidelines
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This requirement protects children in Kids Category apps from commercial and external content by default, with access possible only through a parental control mechanism.
Parents can expect that Kids Category apps will not expose children to external links, purchasing prompts, or distracting content unless those elements are locked behind a parental gate.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 244 platforms. See the full comparison.
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