Apple has introduced new child safety features designed to help parents manage what their children can access, who they communicate with, and how they use apps across devices. The company previewed a suite of updates aimed at improving parental controls and creating safer digital experiences for families.

The new tools will roll out with software updates in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. They include a simpler setup experience with recommended essential apps, Ask to Browse, Time Allowances, and a redesigned Screen Time. Together, these features expand Apple’s existing child safety ecosystem and strengthen parental oversight.

According to Sumbul Desai, M.D., Apple’s vice president of Health and Fitness, the company’s goal is to build technology that empowers users while keeping them safe. She said Apple’s approach is based on expert guidance and recognizes that every child is unique. She added that the updates help families establish age-based protections and build healthier digital habits.

To begin, parents can set up a child account, which applies system-wide safeguards based on age. This includes limiting adult websites, allowing only age-appropriate media, and enforcing App Store restrictions. Child accounts are required for children under 13 and available up to age 18.

Once set up, parents can choose which apps their children can access. They can start with a small set of essential apps, a curated selection, or manually approve each app. In addition, Ask to Buy allows parents to approve app downloads and in-app purchases, whether free or paid. Similarly, Ask to Browse extends this approval system to Safari, requiring permission before children access new websites.

Communication controls also remain central. Parents can manage who their children can contact via Messages, FaceTime, and Phone. Children must request approval to connect with new contacts. Communication Safety, already active for users under 18, blurs detected nudity in images and calls. Now, it will also block detected gore or violent content in shared media.

Time management tools have also been expanded. Time Allowances let parents set limits across app categories such as games, entertainment, and social media. These recommendations are guided by expert research based on age. Parents can also set daily schedules to control app access during specific times, including school hours.

In addition, Screen Time has been redesigned to provide an at-a-glance view of device usage and top apps. Parents can quickly adjust app and web access in real time. They can also temporarily limit usage during family moments such as meals or outdoor activities. Extra time can be granted when needed.

Apple is also working with the American Academy of Pediatrics to integrate its Family Media Plan into practical tools for parents. The company continues to collaborate with researchers to study digital wellbeing and strengthen child safety frameworks across its ecosystem.

A dedicated website has also been launched to help parents access guidance, tools, and answers to common questions. Additional features include Screen Time passcode notifications, user reporting tools for harmful content, and Apple Watch For Your Kids, which enables communication, location tracking, fitness tracking, and safety features for children without an iPhone.

For developers, Apple is offering tools to support age-appropriate experiences, including SensitiveContentAnalysis, PermissionKit, and the Declared Age Range API. These help filter inappropriate content, manage communication permissions, and tailor experiences without sharing a child’s exact birth date.

Finally, Apple confirmed that these updates will be available after installing the Screen Time update in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. The company said these enhancements further reinforce its commitment to child safety and building trusted digital environments for families.

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