At the WWDC 2026 event, Apple unveiled significant updates to its Screen Time parental controls, aimed at enhancing the safety of children using iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. The upcoming iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 updates will introduce features that provide parents with greater control over their children’s interactions in Messages and access to specific content or apps. This includes recommendations for essential apps and suggested time allowances within Screen Time.
These updates are guided by recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, emphasizing that children under 13 should not have access to social media apps. Apple’s software engineering chief, Craig Federighi, highlighted the new tools designed to help parents manage their children’s digital experiences effectively.
Previously, parents could set time limits on apps, but the redesigned Screen Time now offers suggested time allowances tailored to app categories such as Entertainment, Games, and Social Media, based on expert advice. These serve as a starting point for parents to determine suitable time allowances for their children, which can be adjusted as required.
Parents will have access to insights on their children’s most-used apps and average device usage, enabling them to modify app and web access seamlessly. The Communication Safety feature, which previously blurred nudity in Messages and FaceTime, will now also block violent or gory content in images and videos shared with minors.
Additionally, Apple introduces the Ask to Browse feature, requiring children to seek parental permission before accessing new websites via Safari. Parents can also manage their children’s contacts in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone apps, necessitating approval before new connections are made.
To support parents, Apple has launched a dedicated website providing guides on setting up Child Accounts, resources, and FAQs about parental controls and safety features. These new features will be available with the release of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 later this year.
