Apple asks developers to prepare for the new Kids category in the App Store

Apple is going all out to please kids using the iOS platform with the new iteration of the operating system. With iOS 7, a new section will debut in the App Store, catering only to children.

9to5 Mac has reported that Apple is starting to send out reminder mails to developers informing that the company is now open to receiving applications for the upcoming Kids section, aimed at children till the age of 11. The Cupertino-based company has elaborated that there are three sections under which developers can classify their applications – apps aimed at children aged 5 and under, children aged 6 to 8 and children ages 9 to 11.

An all-new section, just for kids

These applications will be a new, separate area of the App Store and will enable parents to find age-appropriate content for their children. As and when this new section will come into its own on the App Store, the existing Kids subcategory will be removed by this fall.

More from News & Analysis

What is the US HIRE Bill and why is India’s $250-billion IT sector worried? Is the internet dead? What's this theory that OpenAI's Sam Altman says might be true?

Apple is on its way to make using iOS a safe platform for children to be on. It recently updated its review guidelines to be more in line with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. According to the new guidelines, apps will not be able to collect email IDs from children under the age of 13 without parental approval. Apps are also not permitted to target children using custom advertising or send a child outside it to make purchases without parental consent. Making iOS a safe platform for children, Apple will be able to win the trust of parents, who will want to entrust their wards with an iPad, iPhone or an iPod.