Instagram has introduced a new feature called “Teen Accounts” to enhance the safety and well-being of its younger users. This initiative aims to address growing concerns among parents and guardians about the potential risks associated with social media use among teenagers.

Understanding Teen Accounts

Teen Accounts are automatically assigned to users under 18 years old and come with built-in safety features. These accounts are designed to provide a more secure online experience for teenagers by protecting them from inappropriate content and unwanted interactions while giving parents more control over their teens’ social media activities.

Key Features of Teen Accounts

1. Default Private Settings: All Teen Accounts will be set to private by default, requiring teens to approve follower requests and ensuring that only people they know can see their content.
2. Messaging Restrictions: Teens can only receive messages from accounts they follow or are already connected to, limiting the risk of unwanted contact from strangers.
3. Sensitive Content Filtering: Teen Accounts will automatically have the most restrictive content settings, filtering out sensitive material such as violent videos or posts promoting cosmetic procedures to create a safer browsing experience.
4. Hidden Words Feature: Instagram’s anti-bullying tool, Hidden Words, will be activated by default on Teen Accounts, filtering out offensive comments and messages to help reduce cyberbullying.
5. Time Management Tools: Teens will receive reminders after using the app for over an hour, encouraging them to take breaks. A sleep mode will mute notifications between 10 PM and 7 AM, promoting healthier usage habits.
6. Parental Controls: Parents can monitor their teen’s messaging activity over the past week without accessing the actual messages. They can also set daily time limits for app usage and block access during specific hours.

Parental Oversight

The introduction of Teen Accounts gives parents greater oversight of their children’s social media interactions. By enabling parental supervision features, parents can approve or deny changes to account settings, view topics their teens are exploring on Instagram, and set daily time limits for app usage. This level of control is designed to reassure parents that their teens are engaging with age-appropriate content and are protected from potential online dangers.

Implementation Timeline

Instagram began rolling out Teen Accounts on September 17, 2024, starting with users in the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia. Existing accounts for users under 18 will transition to Teen Accounts within the next 60 days, and the rollout will extend to other regions, including the European Union, later this year and into early 2025.

Conclusion

Instagram’s new Teen Accounts represent a significant step towards ensuring the safety of younger users on social media platforms. With enhanced privacy settings, content filtering, and parental controls, these accounts aim to create a more secure environment for teenagers while allowing parents to stay informed about their children’s online activities. As social media continues to play a crucial role in young people’s lives, initiatives like these are essential in fostering safe and responsible usage. Parents should familiarize themselves with these features and engage in conversations with their teens about safe social media practices.

Apple has recently pulled the iPadOS 18 update for M4 iPad Pro models following a wave of complaints from users who reported that their devices became bricked after installing the software. This decision comes just a day after the update was made available, highlighting significant issues that have rendered some iPads unresponsive.

The Rollout of iPadOS 18

On September 16, 2024, Apple launched iPadOS 18, which introduced several new features, including customizable home screens, a calculator app for the first time on the iPad, and enhanced note-taking capabilities. However, shortly after the rollout, many M4 iPad Pro owners began reporting serious problems. Users took to platforms like Reddit and Apple’s Discussion Forums to share their experiences of devices that turned off during the update process and failed to power back on.

One user recounted their experience: “I just took it to the Apple Store, who confirmed it’s completely bricked,” indicating that they would need to send the device to engineers for assessment before receiving a replacement, despite having AppleCare. This frustration was echoed by numerous other users facing similar issues.

Apple’s Response

In light of these complaints, Apple has temporarily removed the iPadOS 18 update for M4 iPad Pro models and has stopped signing the firmware files necessary for restoring these devices. While Apple has not publicly acknowledged the full extent of the problem, they confirmed they are working to resolve it. Notably, other devices are still able to download and install the update without incident, suggesting that the issue is isolated to specific models.

User Experiences

Affected users reported various scenarios leading up to their devices becoming bricked. Some noted that their iPads were fully charged and connected to power during the update process but still encountered failures. Attempts to recover their devices using recovery mode or connecting them to a computer yielded no positive results, leaving many frustrated and seeking assistance from Apple Support.

Community Reactions

The community response has been overwhelmingly critical of Apple’s quality assurance processes. Many users expressed disappointment over experiencing such severe issues with a brand-new device. Comments highlighted concerns about whether adequate testing was conducted prior to releasing the update. Some users even compared their experiences unfavorably with Android devices, stating that they had never encountered such critical failures during updates on other platforms.

Looking Ahead

As of now, Apple has not provided a timeline for when iPadOS 18 will be re-released for M4 iPad Pro models or what specific measures will be implemented to address these issues. Users are advised to refrain from installing the update until further notice and are encouraged to contact Apple Support if they experience problems.

Conclusion

The withdrawal of iPadOS 18 for M4 iPad Pro models underscores the challenges tech companies face in ensuring software reliability across diverse hardware configurations. As Apple works to rectify this situation, affected users are left navigating uncertainty regarding their devices’ functionality and future updates. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough testing in software development and maintaining user trust in technology companies.

Preparing Your iPhone for iOS 18: Essential Steps

As Apple rolls out the much-anticipated iOS 18 today, it’s important to ensure your device is ready for the update. This guide outlines the necessary steps to prepare your iPhone for a smooth installation of iOS 18, which promises to enhance customization and introduce several new features.

1. Verify Device Compatibility

Before proceeding, confirm that your iPhone is compatible with iOS 18. The update will be available for the following models:

• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

2. Free Up Storage Space

iOS 18 requires approximately 6.98 GB of available storage. To ensure a smooth installation, check your storage by navigating to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Delete unused apps, photos, and files. Consider offloading photos to iCloud to create additional space.

3. Back Up Your Data

Backing up your iPhone is crucial before any major update. Use iCloud or connect your device to a computer with iTunes/Finder to create a backup. This protects your data in case of any issues during the update process.

4. Check App Compatibility

Some apps may not be immediately compatible with iOS 18. Check for updates from app developers or consider waiting a few days after the update to ensure your essential apps function correctly.

5. Ensure a Stable Wi-Fi Connection and Charge Your iPhone

A stable Wi-Fi connection is essential for downloading the update. Additionally, ensure your iPhone is charged to at least 50% before starting the installation to avoid interruptions.

6. Wait for Early Reviews

If you’re not in a rush, consider waiting a few days after the initial release to install iOS 18. This allows time for developers to identify and resolve any initial bugs, ensuring a smoother experience.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to install iOS 18 and take full advantage of its new features. Enjoy your updated iPhone experience!