Apple announces new parental controls for fall software updates

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) announced new child safety features that will be included in software updates scheduled for fall release. The features are designed to help parents manage their children's device usage and digital interactions.

The updates will include enhanced parental controls requiring child accounts for users under 13. Parents will be able to select which apps children can access initially, with options to gradually expand access over time.

New features include "Ask to Browse," which requires parental approval before children can access new websites in Safari. The company is also introducing "Time Allowances" that provide flexible app usage management across categories such as entertainment, games, and social media.

The Communication Safety feature will be expanded to block gore or violent content in addition to existing nudity detection in Messages and FaceTime calls. This feature remains enabled by default for users under 18.

Screen Time will receive a redesign to provide parents with device usage summaries and streamlined access controls. Parents will be able to set daily schedules determining when children can access specific apps.

"Our approach to helping families create safer digital experiences is grounded in the belief that every child is unique," said Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apple's vice president of Health and Fitness.

The features will be available in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 following the Screen Time update installation. Apple has launched a dedicated website providing information and resources for parents regarding these tools.

Apple is collaborating with the American Academy of Pediatrics to adapt its Family Media Plan for use with Apple products, according to the company's announcement.

You May Also Be Interested In

• Apple investigating exposure to Tata Electronics data breach, full analysis underway - Reuters
• Alphabet (GOOGL) call put ratio 1.6 calls to 1 put with a focus on June 22 weekly calls as share price down 6%
• KGI Securities Downgrades Apple (AAPL) to Hold