Is Apple Books Safe for Kids?
Age rating is set by App Store, not by Unstar. This page explains it and adds what parents report in reviews. Not affiliated with Apple.
What Apple Books's age rating means
Apple Books is rated 12+ on the App Store, meaning it targets older teenagers, not young children. With parental controls and an honest conversation, many teens use apps like this fine, but the rating exists for a reason.
What parents and users report about Apple Books
Users frequently report issues with Apple Books, including books and PDFs disappearing or failing to open, especially during critical times like exams. The app is criticized for being slow, laggy, and buggy, with problems like highlighting not working properly and books needing to be re-downloaded repeatedly. Many users also express frustration with the limited book selection and the inability to access audiobooks.
Summarized from 381 recent 1-3 star reviews. These are user reports, not verified claims.
How to keep your child safe with Apple Books
Settings, Screen Time, Content & Privacy Restrictions. Set an age limit for apps, require Ask to Buy for purchases, and restrict or remove Apple Books if it is above your child's age.
Use Google Family Link to approve installs, set a Play Store content rating limit, require purchase approval, and block or uninstall Apple Books on your child's device.
Apple Books for kids: frequently asked questions
Is Apple Books safe for kids?
Apple Books has an official age rating of 12+ on the App Store, aimed at older teens rather than young children. It can be appropriate with guidance, parental controls, and a conversation about what to share and who to talk to.
What age rating does Apple Books have?
The App Store rates Apple Books as 12+. This is the store's own content rating, set from the app's features and content, not our opinion. Use it as the starting point for whether it fits your child's age.
Can my child use Apple Books safely?
If you decide to allow it, use device parental controls: Screen Time and Content & Privacy Restrictions on iPhone, or Family Link and Play Store parental controls on Android. Turn on purchase approval, set age-appropriate content limits, and keep the account under your family group so you can see activity.
How do I block or remove Apple Books from my child's phone?
On iPhone, open Settings, Screen Time, Content & Privacy Restrictions, then restrict or delete the app and block reinstalling it. On Android, open Family Link, select your child, find Apple Books and block or uninstall it. You can also set a store age limit so apps above your child's age cannot be installed.