Apple dedicated a big chunk of WWDC 2026 to child safety, and the update is the most comprehensive parental control expansion since Screen Time launched.
It all starts with the Child Account. Apple is pushing this as the first step every family should take. Creating one automatically enables age-appropriate safeguards: blocked adult websites, age-gated media, and restricted App Store access. Parents can convert an existing account if their kids are already set up.
From there, parents get expanded tools across four areas: what kids can see, who they can talk to, when they have access, and how to guide their digital habits.
Ask to Browse is new this year. It works just like Ask to Buy for apps, but now applies to websites. Kids must request access to new sites. Parents review and approve directly in Messages. It is on by default for under-13 accounts and can be enabled for teens.
Communication Safety now covers gore and violent content, not just nudity. It intervenes before kids can view problematic images or videos in Messages and even on live FaceTime calls.
Time Allowances put daily limits front and center, with expert-backed recommendations for entertainment, games, and social media developed with the American Academy of Pediatrics. Social media gets called out specifically. Experts recommend under-13 not use it at all.
Parents can now also set app schedules, choosing which apps are available at different times: school hours, evenings, weekends. Screen Time got redesigned to make everything easier to manage at a glance.
New Child Safety features in iOS 27:
Child Account setup assistant with curated app selection
Age-based safeguards enabled automatically on Child Accounts
Convert existing accounts to Child Accounts
Ask to Browse: kids request permission before viewing new websites
Ask to Browse works across iPhone, iPad, and Mac via Safari
Communication Safety expanded: now covers gore and violent content
Communication Safety works on FaceTime live calls
Time Allowances: daily limits for entertainment, games, social media
Recommendations developed with American Academy of Pediatrics
Social media flagged for under-13 accounts by default
App schedules: set which apps are available at specific times of day
Redesigned Screen Time for easier management
New Apple child safety website with guides and FAQs
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