Apple overhauls Screen Time and child controls
▼ Summary
– At WWDC 2026, Apple announced an overhaul of Screen Time parental controls for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27.
– New features give parents more control over who their kids can message and what apps or content they can access.
– The update also provides recommendations for essential apps and time allowances in Screen Time.
– Apple based these new features on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
At WWDC 2026, Apple unveiled a major redesign of its Screen Time and parental control features, aiming to strengthen safeguards for children using iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The upcoming updates for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 introduce more granular controls for parents and guardians, including the ability to precisely manage who children can communicate with through Messages, as well as stricter limits on accessible content and apps. Additionally, Screen Time will now offer personalized recommendations for essential apps and suggested time allowances.
These enhancements align with guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Apple has stated that the new tools are designed to help families establish healthier digital habits. The overhaul addresses long-standing concerns about the effectiveness of Apple’s parental controls, which have faced criticism for being too easy for children to bypass. With these changes, Apple aims to give parents more confidence and flexibility in managing their children’s device usage.
(Source: The Verge)
