Doha:Apple has introduced a comprehensive set of child safety and parental control features with the latest updates to iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. These updates aim to provide parents with greater oversight over the apps, websites, and content accessible to their children, as well as control over device usage times.
According to Qatar News Agency, the new features include a streamlined setup process for Child Accounts, enabling parents to select permissible apps and apply age-appropriate protections. The redesign of Screen Time offers a simplified overview of device usage, facilitating easier adjustments to app and web access.
A notable addition is "Ask to Browse," which prompts children to seek parental approval before visiting new websites in Safari. Parents can either approve or decline these requests, with approved websites being added to an allowed list.
The "Communication Safety" feature has been expanded to detect and intervene when gore or violent content is shared in images and videos, augmenting its existing capabilities to guard against nudity in shared media, including supported FaceTime calls.
Updated Screen Time tools now feature "Time Allowances," allowing parents to set daily limits for categories like Entertainment, Games, and Social Media. "Schedules" enable parents to specify app availability based on time of day or week. Apple's guidance for Time Allowances is informed by clinical and child development experts.
Additionally, the "Ask to Buy" feature remains available, requiring children to obtain parental approval before making purchases or downloading content. These enhanced controls are accessible with the latest Screen Time updates for devices running iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, though availability may vary by region, language, and device model.