Apple has unveiled a comprehensive set of child safety tools aimed at helping parents better manage their children's digital experiences across iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. Announced during the company's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026, the new Child Accounts system introduces stricter safeguards and age-based controls as regulators and governments worldwide intensify scrutiny of technology companies over child safety and online privacy.
The new framework will become available with iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27 later this year. Apple says the system has been designed to provide families with greater flexibility while ensuring children access age-appropriate content and services.
Parents gain greater control over apps, websites and contacts
According to The Indian Express, a key feature of Child Accounts is the ability for parents to decide which applications their children can access. Parents can initially restrict app access and gradually expand permissions as children grow older.
Apple has also introduced Ask to Buy, allowing parents to approve or reject app downloads and in-app purchases before they are completed. Another feature, Ask to Browse, requires children to seek permission before accessing new websites through Safari.
Communication controls have also been strengthened. Through Ask to Approve, children must obtain parental consent before interacting with new contacts via Messages, Phone or FaceTime. The company says these safeguards are intended to reduce unwanted interactions and improve online safety.
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New content filters and smarter screen-time management
According to The Indian Express, Apple is expanding its existing content protection measures with improved detection of violent and graphic material. Images and videos containing gore or extreme violence will be blocked automatically on Child Accounts when identified by the system.
The company is also introducing Time Allowances, which enables parents to set usage limits across app categories such as gaming, social media and entertainment. Daily schedules can be customised to determine which apps remain accessible during school hours, study time or bedtime.
Screen Time has received a redesign as well. Parents will be able to review device usage patterns more easily, identify frequently used applications and adjust restrictions through a simplified interface.
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Images and videos containing gore or extreme violence will be blocked automatically on Child Accounts when identified. (Apple) Privacy debate remains unresolved
According to The Indian Express, the rollout comes amid an ongoing industry-wide debate over age verification and responsibility for protecting minors online. While Apple now requires Child Accounts for users under 13, questions remain about how the company will verify ages without collecting excessive personal information.
The issue has become a point of contention between major technology firms. Companies such as Meta have argued that app stores should verify users' ages, while Apple and Google have raised concerns about the privacy implications of collecting sensitive identity documents from minors.
