Apple has introduced a suite of new child safety and parental control features with the release of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. These tools, first previewed in June, allow parents to manage app access, website browsing, and communication settings across devices.
New features include 'Request to Browse,' which requires parental approval for new websites, and expanded communication management for FaceTime and Messages. The 'Communication Safety' tool now detects violent or graphic content in shared media, in addition to existing nudity detection, using on-device processing to maintain privacy.
The updated 'Screen Time' interface allows parents to set usage limits based on app categories like gaming or social media, with recommendations provided by experts. Parents can also schedule specific app access times and adjust permissions remotely, including extending usage or pausing device access for family activities.
Apple has released new developer tools, including SensitiveContentAnalysis and PermissionKit, to help apps identify inappropriate material and request parental consent for new contacts. Developers can also use an age-range API to tailor experiences without accessing a child's specific birth date.
To utilize the full suite of features, devices within a Family Sharing group must be updated to iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, or visionOS 27. Apple has also launched a dedicated website to provide parents with resources and guidance on managing these digital safety tools.
