Apple Enhances Child Safety Features with Ask to Browse
Apple has officially introduced a suite of child safety features during the WWDC 2026 event. The updates, which will be included in the upcoming iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 operating systems, are designed to help parents manage the content their children view, restrict who can be contacted, and manage device usage duration more flexibly.
According to Apple’s official website, one of the most prominent new features is ‘Ask to Browse’. While parents previously had controls to approve app downloads, this feature has now been expanded so that children must first request permission from a parent to access new websites via Safari. This feature will be available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
In addition to website access, Apple is making it easier for parents to manage who can contact their children via iMessage, FaceTime, and telephone calls. Parents can now require children to seek approval before connecting with new contacts.
Furthermore, the Communication Safety feature, which previously could censor nudity, has been enhanced with the ability to detect and block graphic violence or gore in shared images and videos.
Apple has also redesigned the Screen Time feature to provide parents with a clearer overview of device usage. Through ‘Time Allowances’, parents can set more flexible time limits for specific application categories, such as entertainment, gaming, and social media.
Additionally, a daily schedule feature allows parents to determine which applications are accessible to children at specific times, such as during school hours, to ensure they remain focused.
To support a safe ecosystem, Apple is also providing tools for app developers to create age-appropriate experiences. By using specialised APIs such as SensitiveContentAnalysis and PermissionKit, developers can prevent the appearance of inappropriate content and ensure parents provide consent for new contacts within apps.
All these feature updates will become available to users globally following the launch of the Screen Time updates in the upcoming iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27.