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New kids-only iPhone launches that's perfect for worried parents – it has NO social media & all internet apps blocked

New kids-only iPhone launches that's perfect for worried parents – it has NO social media & all internet apps blocked

The Irish Sun18-07-2025
A SPECIAL iPhone designed to stop kids from downloading social media apps and accessing an internet browser has been launched in the UK.
Sage Mobile has modified the popular Apple device to tightly restrict the apps and services a child can access for the parents' peace of mind.
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Only vetted apps can be downloaded on the iPhone using Sage Mobile software
Credit: Techless
Only pre-vetted apps deemed safe for children can be used on the handset.
And "sketchy workarounds" such as VPNs and backdoors are blocked too, the company claims.
By default, the service has no social media, internet browser, or app store access.
The Sage software is part of a subscription bundle, which provides buyers with an
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"We didn't want to build a 'parental control' phone,' explained Chris Kaspar, CEO of Techless, the company behind Sage Mobile.
"We wanted to build a device that's safe by design, not safe by surveillance.
"With Sage, we've created a smartphone that helps people reconnect with real life, not just reduce screen time."
But it doesn't come cheap, starting from £119 a month.
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And not everyone is convinced it's a good idea.
Professor Sonia Livingstone, a Social Psychologist at LSE says the price tag is "beyond the means of most parents, so if it does bring benefits, they can only be at the cost of increased social inequalities".
Sun's tech editor shows NEW 4mm thin folding Samsung – & teases 'flip iPhone' too
"More importantly, it is hard to see how this phone will solve the problem," she told
"Research shows that young people gain many benefits from both social media and web browsing, though of course efforts to prevent the risks are important.
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"Research shows that only a minority of young people have problematic internet use, and that many are learning the skills to become resilient and able to manage their own phone use in the future, which is also important."
Techless first launched a version for the US market called Wisephone.
The company claims it has sold out four times consecutively, "demonstrating the rising global demand for screen-safe smartphone solutions".
It comes just days before new online safety law comes into effect forcing websites to make sweeping changes so adult and inappropriate content isn't easily accessible to children.
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A number of
iPhone tricks to try today
Here are some of the best...
Typing cursor
– When typing, hold down the space bar to turn your keyboard into a trackpad, letting you move around words and sentences more easily
Close all Safari tabs
– To do this in one go, simply hold the overlapped squares in the bottom right-hand corner, and press close all tabs
Delete lots of photos quickly
– Hold down on a photo and then drag your finger diagonally in Photos to select lots of images at once, then hit delete
Convert currency quickly
– Swipe down from the top of your Home screen (or swipe left to right on an iPhone X or later model), then tap in the bar and type a currency (like $200) and it will automatically covert to your local currency
Check if you're due a battery upgrade
– Batteries inside smartphones degrade over time. Just go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health, and check out the Maximum Capacity reading. Generally a battery is considered worn when you're down to 80% capacity. If you're below, you can buy a battery swap from Apple
Move apps around faster
– Hold an app until it starts wiggling, then (while still holding) tap other apps, causing them to stack so you can move them around easier
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I test mind-boggling 4mm thin Samsung phone that folds in HALF – & it has huge perk your posh iPhone is missing
I test mind-boggling 4mm thin Samsung phone that folds in HALF – & it has huge perk your posh iPhone is missing

The Irish Sun

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  • The Irish Sun

I test mind-boggling 4mm thin Samsung phone that folds in HALF – & it has huge perk your posh iPhone is missing

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Last chance before millions of passwords are forgotten FOREVER from popular app feature
Last chance before millions of passwords are forgotten FOREVER from popular app feature

The Irish Sun

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  • The Irish Sun

Last chance before millions of passwords are forgotten FOREVER from popular app feature

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Currys brings the heat to Dublin Comic Con as 'Official Gaming Partner'
Currys brings the heat to Dublin Comic Con as 'Official Gaming Partner'

Irish Daily Mirror

time4 days ago

  • Irish Daily Mirror

Currys brings the heat to Dublin Comic Con as 'Official Gaming Partner'

Tech retailer Currys has announced its partnership with Dublin Comic Con as the Official Gaming Partner for the summer 2025 edition of Ireland's biggest pop culture and fandom celebration. Taking place on August 9 and 10 at the Convention Centre in Dublin, this year's event is expected to welcome more than 20,000 attendees. Currys said it is bringing the heat with an exciting and immersive gaming presence spread across multiple zones inside the venue. READ MORE: I tested Xgimi MoGo 4 to see can a portable projector deliver enough entertainment on the go READ MORE: Honor 400 Lite review: premium iPhone styling and excellent battery life for less than €300 Adding to the excitement, Currys Gaming Ambassador Chris O'Gara, better known as The Gara Show, will take to the main stage to host an interactive panel alongside a line-up of popular content creators. Online streamer 'JollyHolly' announces Currys as the Official Gaming Partner for the 2025 summer edition of Dublin Comic Con (Image: Photocall Ireland) The firm said they will dive into the latest in gaming culture, community dynamics, and fan engagement, all while bringing plenty of energy and laughs to the crowd. Attendees can also look forward to exclusive giveaways and top tech prizes, ensuring this is one of the must-see highlights of the weekend. The company also said its expert Gaming Staff will be on-site across all activations, ready to answer questions, provide demos and assist fans in finding the perfect gear for their gaming needs. The Currys zones at Comic Con 2025 will be: Currys PC Tower Activation – A striking visual and interactive experience for attendees in the main foyer, showcasing the best in PC gaming tech. Currys Gaming Floor – Taking over all of Floor 2, this dedicated area will highlight the latest in gaming hardware, experiences, and innovations from Currys. Interactive Game Activation – Located in the Gaming Hall, visitors will have the chance to participate in fun challenges and win exclusive Currys prizes. What was said 'We're incredibly excited to be part of Dublin Comic Con this summer,' said Jaimie Cantwell, Head of Brand and Marketing at Currys Ireland. 'It's the perfect opportunity to connect with fans and gamers across Ireland, showcase cutting-edge gaming technology, and celebrate the vibrant culture that defines Comic Con.' 'We're thrilled to welcome Currys as the official Gaming Floor Partner of DCC,' said Karl Walsh, co-founder of Dublin Comic Con. 'Gaming has been a core part of DCC since the very beginning, and partnering with Ireland's leading tech and gaming retailer allows us to deliver an even bigger and better experience for our attendees!' Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.

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