Apple announced a new set of child safety features at WWDC 2026, giving parents more control over what their kids can access on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
The update arrives as governments are putting more pressure on tech companies to protect children online. Australia has already moved to restrict social media access for children under 16, while several European countries are also looking at similar steps. In addition to how long children spend looking at screens, parents and regulators are also concerned about harmful content, online strangers, social media, and whether children are using the internet before they are ready.
Parents get more control over apps and websites
Apple is adding a new setup assistant that lets parents decide what their child can access from the beginning. They can allow only a few basic apps, choose a recommended set, or pick specific apps themselves. As the child gets older, parents can add more access over time.
The company is also expanding approval controls. Ask to Buy already lets children request permission before downloading an app. Now, a new Ask to Browse feature will do something similar for websites. When a child wants to visit a new website in Safari, they will need to ask a parent first. Ask to Buy and Ask to Browse will be turned on by default for children under 13. Parents can also enable them for teens.
Parents will also be able to manage who their child can contact. A child can start with close family members, then ask for permission before adding new people.
Screen Time gets easier to manage
Apple is also changing Screen Time to make it easier for parents to set limits. The new system includes suggested daily time allowances for entertainment, games, and social media. These suggestions are based on the child’s age and were developed with clinical and child development experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Parents can change these limits whenever needed. They can also create schedules for school days, weekends, or different times of the day, so certain apps are only available when appropriate.
The Communication Safety feature, which already warns children before they view or send images or videos that may contain nudity, is being improved. Now, it will also step in before children see graphic or violent images or videos shared with them.
These new features look like a sensible move from Apple. They put parents at the center of the decision-making process, especially when it comes to what children can access online and how much screen time should be part of their day. During a child’s growing years, that control can make a real difference, as it allows families to set boundaries based on age, maturity, and daily routine instead of leaving those choices entirely to apps and platforms.
