Apple has announced a range of new child safety and parental control features for iPhone, iPad and Mac users, aiming to make digital experiences safer for children while giving parents more oversight and flexibility. The updates were unveiled at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026.
A major change is the introduction of simplified child account creation. Parents will now be able to set up child accounts more easily and activate age-appropriate protections from the start. Apple said the move is designed to ensure that safety settings are enabled as soon as a device is configured for a child.
The company is also expanding age-based content protections across its ecosystem. Developers will gain access to tools that allow apps to provide age-appropriate experiences without requiring children to share sensitive personal information. Apple said this approach is intended to balance safety with user privacy.
Among the new features is improved parental approval for contacts and communications. Parents will have greater control over who can communicate with their children through Apple’s communication services, helping reduce unwanted interactions.
Apple is also enhancing protections against inappropriate content. Updated safeguards will automatically intervene when children are exposed to sensitive or explicit material, while maintaining privacy by processing much of the information directly on the device.
Another key update focuses on app ratings and age classifications. Parents will receive clearer information about applications and their suitability for different age groups, making it easier to decide which apps their children can access.
The company is further strengthening family management tools by improving screen-time controls and simplifying the process of managing multiple child accounts within a household. These enhancements are designed to help parents monitor usage patterns and establish healthier digital habits.
Apple said the new child safety features reflect growing concerns among families, educators and policymakers about online risks facing younger users. The company emphasised that the updates aim to protect children without compromising privacy, a principle that remains central to its approach.
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