Apple has announced a major expansion of its child safety and parental control features across iPhone, iPad and Mac devices, introducing a range of updates aimed at making digital experiences safer for children while preserving user privacy.
The new features were unveiled during the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026 and are expected to be rolled out later this year through upcoming software updates.
One of the most significant changes is a streamlined process for creating child accounts. Apple said parents will now be able to set up accounts for children more easily, ensuring that age-appropriate protections are activated from the moment a device is configured. The company believes this will help families adopt safety features more effectively without navigating complex settings.
Apple is also strengthening parental controls by giving parents greater oversight of their children’s communications. New approval mechanisms will allow parents to manage who can contact their children through Apple’s communication services, reducing the risk of unwanted interactions.
The technology giant is expanding protections against inappropriate content as well. Updated safety tools will help shield children from sensitive material while keeping personal data private. Apple said many of these protections will work directly on users’ devices, reducing the need to share information with external servers.
Another major update focuses on app safety. Developers will be able to provide age-appropriate experiences based on a child’s age range without requiring children or parents to disclose exact birth dates. Apple said this approach balances safety requirements with privacy concerns.
The company is also improving app age ratings and content classifications, making it easier for parents to determine whether an application is suitable for their children. Enhanced Family Sharing and Screen Time tools will further help parents monitor device usage and establish healthy digital habits.
Apple said the changes reflect growing concerns about children’s online safety and increasing calls from governments and regulators for stronger protections for younger users. Industry experts noted that the updates could set new benchmarks for child safety features across the technology sector.
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