Apple is launching a series of revamped child safety features in its upcoming software updates, aimed at giving parents greater control over who their children can communicate with. These features will be introduced with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26, all set to roll out this fall.
Children Must Get Parental Permission to Text New Contacts
A key feature is that kids will now need parental permission before messaging new phone numbers. When a child tries to message a new contact, the Messages app will display a request, and parents can tap to grant or deny communication access.
Introducing “PermissionKit” for Developers
Apple is also launching a developer tool called PermissionKit, enabling third-party apps to integrate parental permissions. This allows children to send requests to parents to chat, follow, or friend other users in supported apps.
Enhanced Controls for All Age Groups
Apple’s parental controls already include automatic safeguards such as web content filters and app restrictions for children under 13. Now, Apple will extend age-appropriate protections to kids aged 13–17 as well.
Expanded Communication Safety Features
Apple’s Communication Safety feature is also receiving upgrades. It will now:
- Intervene during FaceTime calls if nudity is detected.
- Blur nudity in shared albums in the Photos app.
Additionally, App Store age ratings will be more detailed, offering specific categories like 13+, 16+, and 18+.
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Privacy-Focused Age Range Sharing
To protect user privacy, Apple will let parents share a child’s age range with apps instead of their exact date of birth. Developers can access this via a new Declared Age Range API.
Industry Pressure and Legislative Context
Major companies including Meta, Snap, X, and the Adult Entertainment Council have pushed for legislation requiring app store age verification. However, Apple has resisted these changes due to privacy concerns. Notably, states like Utah and Texas have already passed such laws.
Apple hinted at some of these features earlier this year in a whitepaper, offering a preview of its ongoing efforts to enhance child safety and digital wellbeing.
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