Apple expands parental controls with new child safety features in iOS 27

Apple has rolled out a new suite of parental controls and child safety features across iPhone, iPad and Mac, giving parents more ways to manage what their children can access and how much time they spend on their devices.

The features are available with the latest Screen Time updates in iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27. Apple says all devices within a Family Sharing group need to be updated to the latest supported operating systems to use the full Screen Time experience. Apple

Children can now ask permission to visit new websites

One of the biggest additions is Ask to Browse.

When enabled, children must request permission before accessing a new website. Parents can review the request before approving it, and approved sites are then added to the child's allowed list. Apple Support

The feature builds on Ask to Buy, which allows parents to approve new App Store downloads and eligible purchases made by children. Apple

Parents can choose which apps children can access

Apple has also simplified the process of setting up a Child Account.

During setup, parents can select which apps are initially available to their child and gradually allow additional apps as needed. Age-based safeguards can also be applied across the device. Apple

New Time Allowances for games and social media

Screen Time now includes Time Allowances, which allow parents to set daily limits for categories including:

• Entertainment
• Games
• Social Media

Apple provides age-tailored suggested limits based on guidance from clinical and child-development experts, although parents can adjust them to suit their own family. Apple

Schedules control when apps are available

Parents can also create Schedules, determining when particular app categories are available during the day or week.

For example, parents could limit access to entertainment or social media during school hours while allowing those apps later in the day. Apple

Screen Time gets a redesign

Apple has redesigned Screen Time to give parents a clearer overview of their child's device habits, including average usage and frequently used apps.

Controls can also be adjusted more quickly when parents want to change access to apps or websites. Apple

Communication Safety expands beyond nudity

Apple's Communication Safety feature already provides warnings and protections when nudity is detected in supported communications.

With the latest software, it can also intervene when gore or violent content is detected in supported shared images and videos. Apple Support specifies that gore and violence detection applies to FaceTime video messages rather than live FaceTime calls. Apple Support

Availability

The new Screen Time and parental control features are available with iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27.

Apple notes that availability can vary depending on region, language and device model. 

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