In the wake of a proposed FTC investigation into curbing mammoth in-app purchases by kids, Apple has changed its policy in order to stop kids from, say, spending $1,400 on Smurfberries.

The Washington Post reports Apple’s new iOS 4.3 software includes a feature that requires a password in order to buy content inside of apps. Previously, there was a 15-minute window after an app was downloaded that allowed users to buy anything they wanted without having to use the password.

Says an Apple spokesperson:

“We are proud to have industry-leading parental controls with iOS. With iOS 4.3, in addition to a password being required to purchase an app on the App Store, a reentry of your password is now required when making an in-app purchase.”

The spokesperson added that Apple devices have previously featured parental controls that allowed folks to prevent rugrats from draining their credit cards on apps.

Silly pre-iOS 4.3 Apple. Trusting parents to do actual parenting.

Apple changes purchases policy to protect kids on iPad, iPhone games [The Washington Post]

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