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Apple expands Screen Time with new parental controls

AppleInsider •
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Apple unveiled a revamped Screen Time suite as part of iOS 27, extending tighter parental controls to iPhone, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. The update lets parents create dedicated Apple IDs for children and adjust app access on the fly. This move follows criticism of previous versions that offered limited granularity, aiming to streamline family management across the ecosystem.

New features let kids request access not only to apps but also to specific websites, giving parents a preview before approval. iOS 27 also adds content warnings for iMessages containing blood or gore, expanding the existing nudity filter. Developers receive a set of APIs so third‑party apps can respect the refreshed restrictions. Parents can also set daily limits for individual apps, tightening control over high‑risk content.

The most visible UI change is Time Allowances, a simplified schedule that defines when and how long a device may be used. Apple plans to roll the updates to all supported devices later in 2026, giving families a consistent control layer across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The rollout promises significantly tighter safety without sacrificing flexibility overall.