Apple has rolled out a suite of updated tools designed to help parents create safer digital environments for children and teenagers. Announced today, these features build on existing protections in Screen Time and the App Store, making it easier to manage age-appropriate online experiences right from device setup.
One standout addition is the ability for parents to share their child’s age range with apps in a privacy-preserving way. This ensures developers can tailor content appropriately without accessing sensitive personal information, striking a balance between functionality and data security.
For teens aged 13 to 17, Apple has expanded default protections to foster safer interactions across apps and services. This includes more robust safeguards against potentially harmful content, helping young users navigate the online world with greater confidence.
The App Store is also getting a significant upgrade with granular age ratings—now including 13+, 16+, and 18+ categories—alongside labels for features like advertising, user-generated content, and in-app parental controls. These changes allow parents to make more informed decisions about app downloads at a glance.
Additionally, updates to Communication Limits let parents remotely approve new contacts when their children use Apple apps. This granular control helps prevent unwanted interactions while maintaining open lines for family communication.
These tools are now live as part of free software updates: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, watchOS 26, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26. They support a wide range of devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple Vision Pro, and Apple TV, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements for these updates.
For families relying on Apple ecosystems, these tools represent a seamless step forward in digital parenting. If you’re an iOS user, updating your devices today could make a meaningful difference in keeping your loved ones safe online. Head to the Families page for more guidance on implementation.
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