Apple is making some serious upgrades to parental controls and Child Accounts with iOS 26 and its other upcoming software updates, giving families more tools to manage how kids and teens use Apple devices. These new features are designed to be easier to use, more private, and more flexible, addressing long-standing concerns that Apple’s controls weren’t doing enough.
The tech giant is revamping Child Accounts with simpler setup and stronger default protections, starting from the moment a child account is created. Kids under 13 will now automatically be prompted to join a Family group, unlocking full parental controls, even if the setup isn’t completed right away. For teens between 13 and 17, Apple is applying default protections like web content filtering and Communication Safety, regardless of whether they’re using a formal Child Account.
Privacy is at the center of Apple’s approach, especially when it comes to how apps access information about kids. With iOS 26, parents can now choose to share their child’s age range, like 13–16 or 16–18, instead of an exact birthdate. This helps developers create more age-appropriate app experiences while keeping personal data protected. Parents get full control over this feature and can decide whether to allow it always, never, or on a case-by-case basis.
The App Store is also getting more refined, with new age ratings that break down into five categories, including the new 13+, 16+, and 18+ tiers. These updates give families better insight into what apps are suitable for their kids and teens. Apple is also adding clearer labels on app pages to show if an app includes user-generated content, messaging, ads, or built-in parental controls. Apps that don’t meet a child’s content restrictions will now be hidden in parts of the App Store like the Today tab or editorial stories, offering more protection by default.
Communication limits are improving too. If a child wants to message a new contact, they’ll need parental approval first. Parents can approve or deny right from Messages. Apple’s new PermissionKit framework will also let third-party apps use this same approval system in a consistent, privacy-friendly way. Communication Safety is getting upgraded to detect and intervene if nudity is shared over FaceTime or appears in Shared Albums, with automatic blurring and warnings for the child.
For families using Ask to Buy, there’s now more flexibility. Parents can allow one-off exceptions for downloading apps that exceed the child’s set age restrictions, and revoke access just as easily if needed. These expanded features build on existing tools like Screen Time, App Store purchase approvals, Find My, and Apple’s privacy standards for children under 13, such as ad tracking limits and developer obligations to avoid data collection.
All of these changes are set to roll out later this year across Apple’s ecosystem, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26. The updates reflect a broader shift toward safer, smarter defaults for kids and teens—and more meaningful control for parents.
