How to prevent bypassing Photos app restrictions via individual app settings in Screen Time?
Issue Summary:
There is a major logical loophole in iOS and iPadOS where blocking or restricting the native Photos app via Screen Time (App Limits or Downtime) does not actually protect the user's photos. A child can easily bypass the app block by triggering the native photo picker UI through individual third-party app permissions in the Settings menu.
Steps to Reproduce:
- Set an App Limit on the Photos app (e.g., 1 minute) and allow the time to expire so the Photos app is locked and greyed out on the Home Screen.
- Open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom section where individual apps are listed.
- Tap on any third-party app (like a messaging app or photo editor) and select Photos.
- Change the access permission to Limited Access.
- The system immediately launches the native photo library selection popup.
Expected Behavior:
If the Photos app is blocked or restricted via Screen Time, the device should treat the entire photo library as restricted. Triggering "Limited Access" from the Settings menu should either require the Screen Time passcode or block the photo picker popup from displaying the camera roll.
Actual Behavior:
The photo picker popup opens completely unrestricted, displaying every photo and video on the device. A child can use this popup as a fully functional, full-screen image and video viewer, completely defeating the purpose of blocking the Photos app.
Environment:
- OS: iOS and iPadOS (All recent versions)
- Device: iPhone and iPad
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Screen Time Bug: Blocking the Photos App fails to restrict Photo Library access via individual App Settings
