Apple is strengthening online safety for children with a new feature called Ask to Browse. Under this system, children will need a parent’s approval before visiting websites that have not already been authorised. The feature adds another layer of protection to help families manage internet access more effectively.
More Control Over Which Apps Children Can Use
Parents will soon have greater flexibility when setting up a child’s device. Instead of providing access to all available apps, they can choose from a limited group of essential apps, select from recommended collections, or manually decide which apps should appear on the device. Additional apps can be approved and added later whenever required.
Stronger Communication Safeguards
Apple is also expanding its communication safety tools. Parents will now be able to approve new contacts before children can communicate with them through Messages, FaceTime, or Phone. This aims to give families more oversight over who children interact with online.
Enhanced Protection Against Harmful Content
The company is widening the scope of its Communication Safety feature. Previously focused on detecting nudity in shared media, the system will now also identify and intervene when graphic violence or gore is detected in photos and videos received or shared by children.
Flexible Screen Time Limits Across App Categories
Managing screen time is becoming more customizable with the introduction of Time Allowances. Parents will be able to set usage limits for entire categories such as gaming, entertainment, and social media instead of restricting apps one by one. Scheduled restrictions can also automatically activate during school hours or other designated times.
Redesigned Screen Time Dashboard
Apple is giving Screen Time a visual refresh to make it easier for parents to understand their child’s digital habits. The updated dashboard will display information such as the most-used apps and average daily screen time. Parents can quickly adjust limits, temporarily pause access, or provide additional usage time without digging through multiple settings menus.
New Resources for Parents
Alongside the software updates, Apple has launched a dedicated online resource hub designed to help parents navigate digital parenting challenges. The company says it will continue collaborating with child development specialists and organisations to improve online safety and wellbeing tools for families.
Availability
The new parental control features are scheduled to arrive later this year as part of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, bringing a more comprehensive approach to child safety and digital wellbeing across Apple devices.
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