Apple Overhauls Parental Controls for iOS 27

The redesigned Screen Time interface moves beyond simple scheduling, offering parents the ability to curate a child’s digital environment from the moment a device is activated. By default, accounts for children under 13 will now feature age-based restrictions, including the automatic limitation of social media and adult content. These safeguards are informed by guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, ensuring that default settings align with developmental recommendations.

A central addition is the "Ask to Browse" feature, which allows parents to whitelist specific websites in Safari, closing a common loophole where children used browsers to bypass app restrictions. Furthermore, parents can now filter incoming text messages to block graphic or violent content, expanding on previous nudity-detection tools. These controls also extend to the App Store, where parents can manually curate software access or follow smart recommendations tailored to the child's age.

To support these changes, Apple is providing developers with new APIs designed to integrate these safety features directly into third-party apps, such as verifying user age or preventing exposure to sensitive media. These expanded parental tools are scheduled to reach the public this fall with the release of iOS 27.