Alongside its AI announcements, Apple used WWDC26 to unveil a broad set of new child safety and parental control features aimed at helping families manage what children can access online, who they communicate with, and how much time they spend on their devices.

The foundation of Apple's approach remains Child Accounts, which automatically apply age-appropriate protections across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. With the upcoming software updates, parents will have more control during device setup, including the ability to start children with a limited set of approved apps and gradually expand access over time.

One of the more notable additions is Ask to Browse. Similar to Ask to Buy for App Store downloads, the new feature requires parental approval before children can access new websites in Safari. Apple says the system works across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Communication controls are also being expanded. Parents can already manage who children contact through Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, but Apple is adding approval requirements for new contacts. The company's Communication Safety system, which already blurs nudity in shared media, will now also detect and intervene when violent or graphic content is shared.

Screen time management is receiving a significant overhaul. Apple is introducing Time Allowances, which lets parents set limits across app categories such as gaming, social media, and entertainment rather than on an app-by-app basis. The feature includes recommendations based on guidance from child development and health experts, although parents remain free to customise limits.

Parents will also be able to create schedules that determine which apps are available at different times of the day. Apple says this can help children stay focused during school hours while still allowing access to important apps when needed.

The Screen Time interface itself is being redesigned with a clearer overview of device usage, most-used apps, and parental controls. Parents can quickly adjust restrictions, extend app access when necessary, or temporarily limit usage during activities such as meals and family time.

Beyond parental controls, Apple highlighted updates for developers as well. New tools will help app makers create more age-appropriate experiences, while a privacy-focused age range system allows apps to tailor content without collecting a child's exact birth date.

The company is also expanding educational resources for families through a dedicated online hub that explains available safety tools, setup processes, and best practices for managing children's digital experiences.
The new child safety features will arrive as part of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 later this year.

We'll be taking a closer look at how these tools work in practice, what they mean for parents, and whether they address growing concerns around children's screen time and online safety in our continuing WWDC26 coverage on ET, including video coverage from the event.