Every app has to be funded
Servers, development, support and adapting to new iOS versions cost money. If you pay nothing for an app, the question is how it sustains itself. That's not an accusation, but a sober question you should ask especially about apps for children.
The most common funding models
| Model | How it works | What to watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising | Ads in the app fund the service. | Advertising in a parental app usually means advertising SDKs and tracking. |
| Data partnerships | Usage or location data is processed and passed on. | Stated in the privacy policy; often with an opt-out option. |
| Freemium | Basics free, additional features paid. | Are the basics really usable? How is Premium funded? |
| Subscription | Monthly or annual fee. | Check how to cancel, the free trial and automatic renewal. |
| One-time purchase | Pay once, use permanently. | What guarantees apply to future devices and updates? |
How to check a free app in five minutes
- Open the App Store page and read the App Privacy details.
- Look for “Data Used to Track You”.
- Read the section on recipients in the privacy policy.
- Check whether ads are shown.
- Find out what stays free and what costs money after a free trial.
What's free in Kydly
Kydly combines permanently free basics with paid Premium access. The basics apply to one parent and the first child profile.
| Free | Premium |
|---|---|
| Screen Time rules and unlocking | Family overview with insights |
| Apple's Screen Time view | Detailed statistics |
| Current location and location notifications | Daily route and location histories |
| Answering requests | Rewards with a time bonus |
| SOS help messages | Widgets and media literacy |
| Family connection | Additional child profiles and shared management |
Premium is available as Kydly Monthly for €4.99 per month after 7 free days via Apple, or as Kydly Lifetime for €69.99 one-time. Through Family Sharing, both purchases apply to the whole Kydly family. Kydly shows no ads and does not sell data.
If you cancel the free week in your Apple Account settings at least 24 hours before it ends, nothing is charged. The prices and terms Apple displays before purchase are binding.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kydly free?
The basic features are free for one parent and the first child profile: Screen Time rules, unlocking, current location, location notifications, requests and SOS. In Germany, Premium costs €4.99 per month or €69.99 one-time.
Does Kydly show ads?
No. Kydly contains no ads and no analytics or advertising SDKs of its own.
Do I need a payment method for the free week?
Yes. You start the free week through Apple's purchase dialog; this requires a payment method on file in your Apple Account. Nothing is charged during the 7 days.
Get to know Kydly
Try Kydly first with sample data in the demo, or download the app. The basic features for one parent and the first child are free.
Sources and further information
This guide is published by the provider of the Kydly app. It does not replace individual legal, medical or educational advice. Information about Kydly describes the app as of the date stated; the Privacy Policy, the Terms of Use and the terms Apple displays before purchase are binding. Legal documents (privacy policy, terms of use, legal notice) are available in German and English.