Google Play Debuts 'Family Library' for Sharing Purchases Across Devices - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Google Play Debuts 'Family Library' for Sharing Purchases Across Devices

by

Google this morning announced "Family Library" for Google Play that allows six family members to share their online purchases from the company's stores across devices.

The new program means movies, TV shows, and books can be shared by families on iOS devices and the web, as well as over connected TV platforms like Roku and Smart TVs, with no sign-up fee required.

Google Family-Library
Starting today, Family Library is rolling out over the next few days and will be available in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S.

Meanwhile, up to six people can continue to share streamed music using Google Play Music's existing $14.99-a-month family plan, which today expanded to Ireland, Italy, Mexico, and New Zealand.


Users of Family Library can access a new setting in the Play Store, where one person is designated "Family Manager" and they can then add other members. Member purchases are shared by everyone by default, although an option to selectively share purchases is also available.

Lastly, the system supports pre-configured Parental Control settings on children's devices, and parents can approve purchases requested by younger family members.

Top Rated Comments

127 months ago
A billion other people didn't.
I find your comment a great deal more objectionable than his.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
scuac Avatar
127 months ago
That was my point. Apple should add the ability to allow additional credit cards for family members. The cross platform sharing wouldn't hurt either.
What's the matter, don't want tge wife questioning why you spent $20 on pokecoins? :p
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
127 months ago
I find your comment a great deal more objectionable than his.
I was merely stating I went to iphone because they had family plans before google

I am not sure what it has to do with other billion people
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
127 months ago
What's the matter, don't want tge wife questioning why you spent $20 on pokecoins? :p
Funny thing. I may live in the only house in America where no one has any interest in playing Pokemon Go. This is a house with a 10 year old and a soon to be 17 year old.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
127 months ago
The only thing I see missing is allowing additional credit cards for family members for Apple Family Sharing. You can make purchases private with Apple and family members can use gift cards to make purchases directly without billing the master credit card (my kids do this all the time as they're always getting iTunes gift cards for Christmas or birthdays. The approval option is also there with Apple.
That was my point. Apple should add the ability to allow additional credit cards for family members. The cross platform sharing wouldn't hurt either.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
127 months ago
It is too bad they were so late to the party. I ditched my android phone because of this.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

app store monthly sub commitment

Apple Introduces App Store Monthly Subscriptions With 12-Month Commitment

Monday April 27, 2026 12:52 pm PDT by
Apple today announced the launch of a new subscription option for App Store developers: monthly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment. The new option allows developers to offer subscribers discounted pricing typically associated with an annual subscription but paid on a monthly basis to keep payments more affordable. This new payment option allows you to offer subscribers more affordable...
Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro Feature

This Is What the iPhone 18 Pro Looks Like

Saturday April 25, 2026 10:00 am PDT by
A recent leak provides our best look yet at the design of Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models. Leaker Sonny Dickson recently shared images of the first iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone dummy models. The images largely conform with rumors about the designs of the three devices and provide the first real visual confirmation of how they will look. ...
M5 Vision Pro Thumb 2

Apple Has Given Up on the Vision Pro After M5 Refresh Flop

Wednesday April 29, 2026 11:31 am PDT by
Apple has all but given up on the Vision Pro after the M5 model failed to revitalize interest in the device, MacRumors has learned. Apple updated the Vision Pro with a faster M5 chip and a more comfortable band in October 2025, but there were no other hardware changes, and consumers still weren't interested. The Vision Pro has been criticized for its high price tag and its uncomfortable...