Apple has previewed a new suite of child safety features designed to help parents manage their children’s digital experiences. These updates will arrive this fall as part of upcoming software releases. Consequently, parents can establish age-based protections and monitor device usage more effectively.
Setting Up Accounts for Children
To begin, parents must set up a dedicated child account, which is required for children under 13 and available up to 18. This account automatically enables system-wide safeguards tailored to the child’s age. For example, it limits access to adult websites and restricts downloads in the App Store.
Managing Content and Communication
Furthermore, the new Ask to Browse feature requires children to request permission before accessing new websites in Safari. Meanwhile, the Communication Safety tool will now block violent content and gore in shared images. This update expands on existing protections that detect nudity in Messages and FaceTime within the cybersecurity framework.
“Our approach to helping families create safer digital experiences is grounded in the belief that every child is unique. Today, we are introducing major updates to help families thoughtfully establish age-based protections.”
Sumbul Desai, M.D., Apple’s vice president of Health and Fitness
New Child Safety Features for Screen Time
Additionally, the redesigned Screen Time interface provides an at-a-glance view of average device usage. Parents can use Time Allowances to set specific limits for app categories like games and social media. Notably, these settings can be adjusted instantly to protect family moments on smart devices.
Expert Collaboration and Developer Tools
To support external creators, Apple is offering tools like SensitiveContentAnalysis and PermissionKit to developers. These resources help third-party applications block inappropriate content and manage contact approvals. As a result, the broader ecosystem can align with these updated child safety features.
In addition, the Apple Watch For Your Kids feature allows parents to connect with children who do not own an iPhone. This setup enables location tracking via Find My and includes a Schooltime mode to limit notifications. Consequently, children can gain independence while remaining connected to their families via mobile devices.
Finally, these child safety features will become available following the release of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. Apple also launched a dedicated website to provide resources and answer common questions for parents. Therefore, families can prepare for these changes ahead of the autumn deployment.
