Just days after the launch of iOS 13.3, a significant bug has been found with one of the update's major new features.
Communication Limits is a new feature of iOS 13.3 that allows parents to control who their kids can contact. With it, parents can toggle a setting so that only people in the contacts list can communication with the child in the Messages, Phone, and FaceTime apps. However, a workaround has been found that lets the child communication with anyone who might text them.
Discovered by CNBC, when an unknown number texts the child's phone, they're given the option to add this unknown number to their address book. This then allows them to call, text, and video call with the unknown number just like they can with any other number in their contacts list. Communication Limits is supposed to require the parent's PIN before a number can be added to the address book.
Additionally, children can get around Communication Limits by asking Siri on their Apple Watch to text or call number. The message or call will go through regardless of if the number is in the child's contacts list or not.
Apple has said that this workaround is the result of devices being set up with a "non-standard configuration" and that a fix is coming. “This issue only occurs on devices set up with a non-standard configuration, and a workaround is available," the company explained in a statement. "We’re working on a complete fix and will release it in an upcoming software update.”
Until that update rolls out, parents can follow these steps to eliminate this workaround:
Considering that Communication Limits is one of the big new features of the iOS 13.3 update, it's kind of a big deal that there are workarounds that allow kids to circumvent the limits that parents put in place. Now that Apple has said a fix is coming, we'll likely see an iOS 13.3.1 update in the coming weeks, so stay tuned and we'll let you know when the fix arrives.
