Apple gives parents more say over who their children can talk to online
As children spend more time online, many parents share the same concern: who are they talking to and what are they being exposed to?
Apple is introducing a range of new child safety features aimed at helping families navigate the digital world with greater confidence. The updates, which will roll out across iPhone, iPad, Mac and other Apple devices, focus on communication safety, age-appropriate content and parental controls.
One of the biggest changes allows parents to decide who their children can communicate with.
Parents can approve new contacts
With the latest software updates, children will need permission before contacting a new phone number through Messages, FaceTime or Phone.
Parents can review and approve requests before a new conversation begins, offering an additional layer of protection against unwanted contact and online risks.
For many families, it could provide extra peace of mind as children become increasingly connected through digital devices.
Better protection from sensitive content
Apple is also expanding its Communication Safety features to help protect children from viewing or sharing sensitive material.
If nudity is detected in an image or video, the content can be blurred automatically and children will receive guidance before deciding whether to view it.
These protections will be available across Messages, AirDrop and other supported experiences. Similar safeguards are also being extended to FaceTime video calls.
According to Apple, the system relies on on-device machine learning, meaning content analysis takes place on the device itself rather than being sent elsewhere.
Age-appropriate experiences without revealing personal details
Another new feature allows parents to share their child's age range with apps without disclosing their exact date of birth.
This helps developers provide content and experiences that are more suitable for a child's age while limiting the amount of personal information collected.
Apple is also updating App Store age ratings, making it easier for parents to decide whether an app is appropriate for their children.
Easier family management
The company is simplifying the process of setting up Child Accounts and managing family settings.
Parents will be able to configure safety protections more easily when setting up a new device, while redesigned Screen Time tools will offer a clearer snapshot of a child's device usage and most-used apps.
Features such as app access controls, web browsing permissions and Device Pause can also be adjusted more quickly when needed.
Why it matters
The updates arrive as governments and regulators around the world continue pushing technology companies to strengthen online protections for children.
In both the UK and Malaysia, conversations around age verification, social media access and child safety online have become increasingly prominent.
While no digital tool can replace open conversations between parents and children, Apple's latest updates offer families another way to create safer and more age-appropriate online experiences.
