New Apple update gives parents more control over kids’ app use and messages
Apple’s iOS 26 brings better parental controls, app age filters and more — here’s what parents need to know.
Apple’s newest software update is putting family-first tech front and centre, and it’s all about making devices safer for kids, from toddlers with tablets to teens with iPhones.
With the upcoming launch of iOS 26 and other major OS updates this autumn, the tech giant is introducing a suite of new parental tools that promise better control, smarter age settings, and a more private online experience for children and teens.
Whether you’re navigating screen time limits, trying to approve apps, or just keen to keep your child safe while messaging friends, these updates are designed to support modern parents in an increasingly digital world.
Easier setup for child accounts
Creating a safe digital space for kids is now simpler than ever. Apple has streamlined the process for setting up Child Accounts, which are required for kids under 13 and available for anyone under 18.
These accounts automatically enable age-appropriate safety features like app restrictions and web filters from the moment your child picks up the device.
If you’re not ready to complete the setup right away, don’t worry, the default safety settings are still activated from the start. And if there’s ever any confusion over your child’s age during setup, Apple now makes it easier to confirm or correct it, ensuring the right controls are applied.
App age sharing without compromising privacy
One of the standout additions? A clever way for parents to share their child’s age range (not their actual birthday) with apps. Thanks to the new Declared Age Range API, app developers can tailor experiences for different age groups without accessing sensitive personal info.
As a parent, you stay in control. You can choose to allow age range sharing always, on a per-app basis, or not at all, and children can't change these settings without your say-so.
It’s a subtle but significant improvement that means even apps as simple as a weather forecast will remain appropriate for your child’s age.
More protections for teens aged 13 to 17
Until now, Apple’s most robust protections kicked in only for kids under 13. But starting with iOS 26, teens aged 13–17 will also get automatic safety features, whether they have a Child Account or a standard one.
These include:
- Web content filters to block inappropriate websites
- Communication Safety tools that detect and blur explicit content
- Granular app ratings on the App Store, with clearer 13+, 16+ and 18+ labels
This means that even independent teens get a layer of built-in safety, without parents needing to constantly check in.
Safer communication and messaging controls
If your child wants to chat with a new number, they’ll now need your approval first. Thanks to updates to Communication Limits, children will be prompted to request permission via Messages before they can call, text, or connect with someone new.
In third-party apps, Apple’s new PermissionKit framework allows similar parental approvals, meaning kids will need a green light before friending, following or chatting in social apps. All it takes is a tap on your end.
A smarter, more transparent App Store
Apple’s latest updates also improve how the App Store supports families. Developers must now clearly label whether their apps include user-generated content, messaging, ads, or parental controls. And if you’ve set an age restriction, apps that exceed it won’t appear in your child’s App Store tabs or editor’s picks, cutting down on temptation before it starts.
With Ask to Buy, parents can approve or deny app downloads, even for apps rated above the age limit, and revoke access at any time via Screen Time.
More tools you can use right now
These new updates build on a long list of existing family tools many parents may already be using, or might want to start:
- Screen Time: See how long kids spend on apps and set daily limits or app exceptions
- Downtime: Block distractions like games and social media at bedtime
- Ask to Buy: Get alerts when kids try to download new apps or make in-app purchases
- Communication Safety: Detect and warn kids when they receive or send nudity in messages or FaceTime
- Find My: Track your child’s location and set alerts for when they leave school or arrive home
- Made for Kids: A curated section in the App Store with apps that meet strict safety and privacy standards
“You know your kids better than anyone. That’s why we’ve put a lot of thought into helping parents choose how, and how often, their kids can use their devices,” Apple explains on its Families hub.
The takeaway for parents
If your child uses an Apple device, these updates are worth knowing about. They won’t replace good conversations about online safety, but they do give parents more control and peace of mind, without invading their child’s privacy.
Look out for the iOS 26 update this autumn across iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. In the meantime, many of the new features, including improved Child Account setup and safety defaults, are already live in iOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4.
Read more:
Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.