Apple today released iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 with a new suite of parental control features designed to give parents more control over how their kids use devices. The updates focus on four key areas: content access, communication, device usage times, and management tools. All features fall under Child Account protections, required for children under 13 and available up to age 18.

With iOS 27, Apple simplified Child Account setup, allowing parents to start with essential apps, a recommended starter set, or choose specific Apple apps from the outset. Parents can now manage app and website access, set age restrictions for media, and use Ask to Browse, which lets kids request blocked website access in Safari, with parental approval via Messages. Communication Safety now expands beyond nudity detection to block gore or violent content in shared images, displaying warnings and resources.

Time Allowances are more flexible, enabling parents to create custom app categories, move apps between them, and assign allowances upon approving new apps via Ask to Buy. Schedules can vary by day of the week. Screen Time has been redesigned with new architecture for faster syncing across Family Sharing groups.

Parents can view weekly summaries, pause device access temporarily, and switch between schedules. Apple is also working with the American Academy of Pediatrics to adapt its Family Media Plan for Apple products. All devices in a Family Sharing group must run version 27 software to use the new Screen Time experience.