iOS would this be possible, does it already exist?

[DeathBySprinkles]

I am trying to find an app blocking app either on itunes or via jailbreak that would block (require a password) the settings menu, If it doesnt exist would it be possible to develop? I know it may sound dumb to most but i can assure you it would have its uses especially amongst the parental control and porn blocking types.

 

[1458279]

I am trying to find an app blocking app either on itunes or via jailbreak that would block (require a password) the settings menu, If it doesnt exist would it be possible to develop? I know it may sound dumb to most but i can assure you it would have its uses especially amongst the parental control and porn blocking types.

First off, I'd like to reword what you're asking for so that we can make sure we're talking about that same thing.

Devices get apps 2 ways: 1. the AppStore 2. bootleg/jailbreak.

You're asking if an app can be written that blocks certain apps, the answer would be no.

iTunes is controlled by Apple and they put up what they want.

Jailbroken is different, it's controlled by whoever and they control what's out there. I think a person can also crack any app and have it on their device, but I don't have a lot of knowledge in that.

You're asking for something to be done at a different level, the OS level, not the app level.

If there were a way to prevent ALL apps from being downloaded and only have one app that would control what could be downloaded, that might be a path.

That would involve somehow removing all access to apps on the device (if that can be done) and then writing an apps that only has a selected list that connects the device to only those apps.

Removing iTunes might work with a jailbroken device, but I don't know. I think they run a cracked version of the OS. Maybe the OS can be cracked so that no iTunes can be run.

Another option might be to block ALL apps. I don't know if that can be done, maybe within the iTunes account, the device can be blocked after you've loaded the pre-screened apps.

I think that Apple might have addressed this already somehow. I can see a need for things like non-violent games on a child's device.

 

[jeastwood1975]

Would the 'Restrictions' settings, found in the Settings.app, not cover this? There are options to restrict the installation and deletion of apps, limitations on what content (film, video or website) can be accessed etc.

I haven't explored all of the options however this looks a good place to start if you're just wishing to restrict access to content. Click on 'Enable restrictions' and choose a password.

 

[DeathBySprinkles]

what i am trying to prevent is the reset of the phone, I dont want the phone to be able to be hard reset from the phone. restrictions are great and they cover a lot, but a lot of good they do you if the person you are restricting can simply go into the settings and reset the phone. on android you can download apps the block other apps, they can also block the settings menu. however they have a hole in their phone as well as you can just drag and uninstall the app.

 

[firewood]

IIRC, you can shut down an iPhone without going into Settings. But restarting from shutdown requires a passcode.

 

[bjet767]

I guess I'm in the dark too about the question. Can't you just set a passcode which is required every time one opens the phone and then why would the owner "reset" their phone if it wasn't needed?

Something's missing in this question.

 

[firewood]

... and then why would the owner "reset" their phone if it wasn't needed?

Not the owner. A "friend" of yours who picks up your phone at a party, or the nephew you are showing some pics to while talking to your aunt.

 

[AxoNeuron]

You literally cannot prevent a phone from being hard-reset. It is a hardware level feature in iOS devices. No software level changes can get around that.

 

[albebaubles]

Yes you can do this -- look into mobile device management. MacOS server and profile manager

 

[bjet767]

The device management works well except it has a bit too much overhead for the individual user. It's design is for corporate users who have teams of iPad and iPhone users they need to monitor and connect with.

 

[albebaubles]

The device management works well except it has a bit too much overhead for the individual user. It's design is for corporate users who have teams of iPad and iPhone users they need to monitor and connect with.

I dont disagree. However, you don't have to open a hole in your firewall so it's not an insurmountable task for personal use. Plus the OC would have all the other benefits you have with device management - lockdown, wipe, only approved apps....

-- full disclosure, I do manage over 100 devices this way so I could be over simplifying