Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 1 day ago
Apple adds new parental controls in iOS 27
Apple’s iOS 27 update adds new parental controls for children’s devices.
The tools include limits for different types of screen use, approval requests for websites and new contacts, and a way to pause a device.
Apple developed the safety changes with the American Academy of Pediatrics and also created a guide to help families build healthy digital habits.
The controls do not turn on automatically after an update.
Devices in a Family Sharing group need compatible new software for the updated Screen Time system to work; devices that cannot update keep the older controls.
Parents can manage a child’s settings in Settings under Family on an iPhone, or create a child account there.
Apple introduced an overhaul of parental controls in its iOS 27 update in September.
New tools include Time Allowances, Ask to Browse, Ask to Add Contacts and a feature to pause a child’s device.
Communication Safety now also detects and blurs graphic violence and gore.
Apple worked with the American Academy of Pediatrics on the safety tools and a guide to healthy digital habits.
The new controls do not activate automatically, and devices in a Family Sharing group need compatible version 27 software.
- Who
- Apple, working with the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- What
- Apple added new parental controls in iOS 27, including tools to manage screen time, browsing and contacts.
- When
- The update arrived in September; the article was published on October 10, 2026.
- Where
- On Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV.
- Why
- To provide safety tools and help parents support healthy digital habits for children.
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These features don't activate automatically when a device updates.
Ask to Browse gives parents oversight over Safari activity by requiring approval before a child visits an unapproved website.
Ask to Add Contacts is also a new feature, making kids get parental approval before they can call or text a new phone number.
Apple’s iOS 27 update introduced an overhaul of parental controls.
Engadget published an article explaining the new parental controls.
- Update
- iOS 27
- Screen-time tool
- Time Allowances replaces App Limits
- Browsing tool
- Ask to Browse requires approval for visits to unapproved websites
- Contacts tool
- Ask to Add Contacts requires parental approval for new phone numbers
- Safety feature
- Communication Safety now detects and blurs graphic violence and gore
- Compatibility
- Family Sharing devices need version 27 software for the new Screen Time system to function
Sources
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