Apple Urged to Add Family Sharing Update Alerts for 24 Devices as Security Warnings Mount
Updated
Updated · Computerworld · Oct 22
Apple Urged to Add Family Sharing Update Alerts for 24 Devices as Security Warnings Mount
2 articles · Updated · Computerworld · Oct 22
Summary
A call is growing for Apple to add a Family Sharing “pester button” that would send system-level reminders for software updates across a household’s devices.
Recent security warnings have made timely updates more urgent, but family admins still must enable automatic updates on each iPhone, iPad or Mac individually and cannot verify the whole group is current.
Existing tools fall short: Apple Business requires managed business accounts, Jamf Now charges about $4 per device after the first three, and Apple Configurator needs manual setup and can wipe devices during configuration.
Apple already has device-management hooks that can enforce OS deadlines through enterprise MDM, but extending that power to Family Sharing would clash with its privacy model for personally owned devices.
The proposed compromise is narrower than remote control—stronger built-in reminders that preserve individual choice while reducing the burden on one family member managing dozens of devices.