Apple on Monday previewed a new set of child safety features designed to give parents more control over what their children see, who they can contact, and when they can use apps. The company said the updates will arrive with software releases this fall and are built with guidance from online safety, health and child development experts.
The changes expand Apple’s existing parental controls with new tools for account setup, web access, communication, and app usage. Apple said the goal is to make the controls simpler for families to use while giving parents more flexibility as children grow.
At the center of the update is a child account system that Apple says is the first step for setting up age-appropriate experiences. Child accounts are required for children under 13 and available for users up to 18. These accounts enable system-wide protections such as limiting adult websites, restricting media to age-appropriate content, and applying age-based App Store rules.
Apple said parents setting up a new device for a child will be guided through the process. The company also said it will offer a more streamlined setup experience that can begin with a recommended starter set of essential apps, rather than opening the device to everything at once.
One of the new features, Ask to Browse, will let parents approve requests before a child can open a new website in Safari. The feature is designed to work across iPhone, iPad and Mac. Apple is also extending its Ask to Buy system, which already requires parental approval for app downloads and in-app purchases, including free apps from the App Store.
Parents will be able to choose which apps their children can use at the outset, starting with only a few essentials, a curated collection, or handpicked apps. Over time, they can expand access as they see fit.
Apple is also adding more controls over who children can message or call. Parents will be able to approve new contacts in Messages, FaceTime and Phone before children connect with them.
The company said its Communication Safety feature, which already blurs nudity in Messages and FaceTime for users under 18, will now also detect and block gore or violent content in shared images and videos.
The updated Time Allowances feature will let parents set limits by app category, including entertainment, games and social media. Apple said the setting will present guidance based on expert research and the child’s age, while still allowing parents to adjust limits manually.
Parents will also be able to create daily schedules that control which apps are available at different times of day or on different days of the week. Apple said this could help families keep devices out of the way during school hours, meals or other moments that require attention.
The company is also redesigning Screen Time to give parents a clearer overview of average device use and the most-used apps. Apple said the new layout will make it easier to pause access quickly or add more time when needed.
Apple said it has launched a dedicated website with the latest tools and guidance for families. The company also pointed to existing features such as Screen Time Passcode Notifications, user reporting tools in certain regions, and Apple Watch For Your Kids.
Apple said it is working with the American Academy of Pediatrics to adapt its Family Media Plan into a guide for Apple users. It also said developers play an important role in age-appropriate experiences and that it provides tools to help app makers build for younger users.
The announcement comes as major technology companies continue to expand safety features for children and teens, often under pressure from parents, regulators and child safety advocates.