Apple
No more secret browsing? Apple’s new child safety tools give parents full digital control
Tech giant Apple has announced a major overhaul of its parental control system, introducing new tools designed to help parents better manage what their children can access on iPhones and iPads.
In a statement, the company said upcoming software updates this fall will introduce a simplified setup experience along with a recommended set of essential apps, “Ask to Browse,” “Time Allowances,” and a redesigned Screen Time interface.
“These updates enhance Apple’s already industry-leading parental controls and underscore its commitment to building a safe and trusted platform for kids,” the company said.
Apple’s vice president of Health and Fitness, Sumbul Desai, M.D., said the company’s approach is rooted in child safety and digital wellbeing.
“At Apple, our mission has always been to create technology that empowers people and enriches their lives, while helping keep them safe,” she said. “Every child is unique, and our tools allow parents to tailor their digital journey with simple, expert-informed controls.”
Child Accounts at the Center of New Safety Framework
Apple said the foundation of its updated system is the child account, which enables age-based protections across devices.
Parents will be guided through setting up child accounts when configuring a new device. These accounts are required for children under 13 and available for users up to age 18.
The system automatically applies safeguards such as restricting adult websites, limiting app access based on age ratings, and controlling App Store downloads.
Curated App Access and “Ask to Browse” Feature
Parents will now have more granular control over which apps their children can access. They can begin with a limited set of essential apps or a curated selection, gradually expanding access over time.
Apple’s existing “Ask to Buy” feature allows parents to approve app downloads and in-app purchases.
A new addition, “Ask to Browse,” extends this approval system to web browsing, requiring parental permission before children can access new websites in Safari across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Stronger Communication and Content Safety Controls
Apple is also expanding communication safety tools that allow parents to manage who children can contact via Messages, FaceTime, and Phone.
Children will need parental approval to connect with new contacts, adding an additional layer of oversight.
The Communication Safety feature, which already blurs explicit images, will now be expanded to detect and block violent or graphic content in shared media.
Time Management and App Usage Controls
The new “Time Allowances” feature gives parents more flexibility in managing screen time across app categories such as games, entertainment, and social media.
Parents will also be able to set daily schedules, controlling when apps can be used during school hours, family time, or bedtime routines.
If needed, parents can extend app access temporarily or restrict usage during specific periods such as meals or study time.
Redesigned Screen Time Dashboard
Apple has redesigned Screen Time to provide a clearer overview of children’s device usage, including average screen time and most-used apps.
Parents can now adjust permissions instantly, allowing or restricting apps and web access with a single tap.
The update is designed to help families build healthier digital habits while maintaining flexibility.
Collaboration with Child Safety Experts
Apple said its parental control features are developed with input from pediatric and online safety experts, including collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
The company is also working to adapt AAP’s Family Media Plan into a guide for parents using Apple devices.
Additional tools include Screen Time Passcode Notifications, content reporting systems in select regions, and expanded Apple Watch for Kids functionality.
Apple Watch for Kids and Schooltime Mode
Apple highlighted its “Apple Watch for Your Kids” feature, which allows children without iPhones to stay connected while giving parents location tracking through Find My.
The watch also includes messaging, calling, fitness tracking, and Apple Cash support, while “Schooltime mode” helps reduce distractions by blocking notifications during study hours.
Availability
The new features will roll out with iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 updates later this year.
Global Policy Context and Reactions
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the announcement, saying Apple CEO Tim Cook had briefed him on the updates, which were partly inspired by Australia’s strict online safety policies for children.
Australia has already moved to restrict social media access for users under 16, prompting debate globally about child safety online.
The United Nations Human Rights Office has cautioned that while such measures may help, they are not sufficient on their own.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned that many online harms stem from platform design choices such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and algorithmic engagement features.
“Simply limiting access to platforms that remain unsafe cannot stand as the endpoint,” he said, urging broader systemic reforms to protect children online
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