Apple Parental Control Features Expand in iOS 26
By Nayab khan
Apple is introducing new parental control features in its upcoming software updates, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, VisionOS 26, and TvOS 26. The updates will be available this fall.
As a result of these changes, children will need to request permission from a parent to message a new phone number. The requests will be shown in the Messages app and the parent can accept or deny the request. Developers will also be able to add the same type of controls to their apps using a new PermissionKit tool.
Image: Apple Insider
Apple’s existing parental controls system (which already has filters and app limitations for children under 13) will now apply to the age children 13-17 years. The Communication Safety tool will also have updates to identify nudity in FaceTime and blur images in shared Albums.
The App Store will have age ratings that will be more specific with 13+, 16+, and 18+ categories. There will also be a new Declared Age Range API which will let parents share a child’s age range with apps but not share a child’s actual date of birth.
These updates come as some U.S. states pass age verification laws for app store users. Apple continues to oppose such laws, citing privacy concerns.
