Apple introduces new parental control features with iOS 26 and other software updates, helping parents ensure safer, age-appropriate digital experiences for children and teens.
Apple’s Latest Update Makes Online Safety Easier for Parents
Apple has always focused on user privacy and online safety. Now, with the upcoming release of iOS 26 and other new software updates like iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, and watchOS 26, Apple is taking even bigger steps to help parents protect their kids and teens online.
These new features are designed to ensure children have safe and age-appropriate experiences from the moment they start using their Apple devices. Let’s take a look at what’s new and how it helps families.
Simpler Child Account Setup
Apple has made it easier for parents to set up Child Accounts, which are special Apple accounts for users under 18. These accounts are linked to a parent or guardian through Family Sharing and include built-in protections.
If a parent doesn’t complete the setup right away, the system will still apply child-safe settings by default. This ensures kids are protected even if setup is delayed. These changes are already active in iOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4.
Now, if your child’s age isn’t correctly added during setup, Apple will prompt parents to review and fix it. If the child is under 13, the account will be converted into a proper Child Account with all parental controls turned on automatically.
Age Range Sharing for Apps – More Privacy, Better Control
A new feature allows parents to share their child’s age range with app developers without revealing the child’s exact birthdate. This is done through a secure Declared Age Range API. App developers can then use this information to offer content that’s suitable for different age groups.
Parents can choose when to share this information:
Always
Only when asked by an app
Never
By default, kids can’t change these settings, but parents can update permissions through Content & Privacy Restrictions.
More Protections for Teens Aged 13-17
Previously, only children under 13 received automatic protections. Now, with iOS 26 and its companion updates, teens aged 13 to 17 will also get:
Web content filters
Communication Safety features
Access to new, detailed App Store age ratings like 13+, 16+, and 18+
These protections apply whether the teen has a Child Account or a regular Apple ID.
Safer Messaging and Social Interactions
Apple’s Communication Limits tool already allows parents to control who their kids can talk to via Messages, FaceTime, and more. With the latest updates:
Kids must request permission before talking to new phone numbers.
Parents can approve or deny the request with just one tap.
Developers using the new PermissionKit framework can also let kids ask parents before chatting or friending someone in third-party apps.
This gives parents more control and peace of mind.
Better App Store Filters and Controls
Apple is also improving how the App Store shows and filters content:
If a child’s age setting restricts apps rated 18+, they won’t see them at all on the App Store’s home tabs or featured pages.
Parents can override restrictions temporarily using Ask to Buy, and can revoke access later if needed.
App pages will now clearly mention if they include ads, user-generated content, or messaging.
This gives parents better visibility into what their child might be exposed to online.
Extra Safety Features
Apple is also updating its Communication Safety tools:
Nudity detection in FaceTime video calls will now trigger alerts and protective actions.
Shared photos in iCloud Albums will automatically blur nudity if detected.
These tools aim to prevent harmful or inappropriate content from reaching children.
Existing Features That Keep Families Safe
Apple continues to offer a wide range of privacy-first safety tools for families:
Find My to locate children’s devices.
Ask to Buy for purchase approval.
Screen Time for app and usage limits.
Made for Kids section on the App Store with stricter standards.
Strict ad tracking bans for kids under 13.
For developers, Apple offers APIs and frameworks like ScreenTime Framework, SensitiveContentAnalysis, and Media Ratings, helping them build kid-safe apps.
When Will These Features Be Available?
These updates will roll out in fall 2025 as free software upgrades across supported devices. That includes:
iOS 26
iPadOS 26
macOS Tahoe 26
watchOS 26
visionOS 26
tvOS 26
To learn more, visit Apple’s family safety resource page at apple.com/families.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on official information available from Apple as of June 2025. Features mentioned are subject to change upon final release of iOS 26 and related updates. The content is intended for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple Inc. For the latest details, always refer to Apple’s official website at apple.com.
