As part of the launch of iOS 7, Apple has added a new Kids section into the App Store. It’s subdivided into smaller categories with apps for kids ages five and under, six to eight, and nine to eleven. At the same time, the company has revised its age policies for iTunes accounts and now allows those under thirteen to sign up if they go through an “approved educational institution.”
Mobile development firms that create apps for the new Kids App Store must comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). That means no asking for personal information, no tricks designed to get kids to buy things and no linking to outside apps or sites without parental permission. Kids apps also must have a privacy policy.
Some firms with apps in the new store, including Duck Duck Moose, PBS KIDS Digital and Disney, say they are already seeing improvements in their download numbers since the new store launched.
