Apple updates parental controls to protect children in messaging apps
- Parents will need to approve their children's requests to communicate with new phone numbers via Apple's updated features.
- New tools will allow developers to add similar parental approval systems within their apps.
- These changes represent Apple's response to growing concerns about child safety in digital communication.
In recent months, Apple has announced a suite of enhanced child safety features aimed at improving communications for younger users. Set to launch later this year alongside iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26, these new measures are designed primarily for children aged 13 to 17. A significant aspect of the update is the requirement for children to obtain parental permission when they wish to text new contacts. This innovative feature allows parents to manage the communications of their children more effectively, as requests for communication will be routed through the Messages app. Parents will have the ability to approve or decline these requests with the simple tap of a button. The updates are not limited to messaging; Apple is also introducing a new tool dubbed 'PermissionKit' that will allow app developers to integrate similar approval processes into their applications. This means that children can request parental approval for activities such as chatting or adding friends in various other apps, creating a more controlled digital environment for youth interactions. Furthermore, Apple is enhancing its existing Communication Safety tool, which now aims to detect nudity during FaceTime calls and blur inappropriate content in shared photo albums. To reinforce age-appropriate protections, Apple will automatically apply content filters for users under 13 and will also implement similar levels of protection for older teens. Additionally, the App Store will feature expanded age ratings, categorizing apps into more specific groups such as 13+, 16+, and 18+ to better guide parents and children. The company will also allow parents to share their child’s age range with apps without disclosing their exact date of birth through a new Declared Age Range API. This move comes as part of a growing trend, with various companies, including Meta and Snap, advocating for age verification legislation, an area in which Apple has expressed concerns over user privacy. States like Utah and Texas have already implemented regulations to require app stores to verify user ages, illustrating the ongoing discourse surrounding digital safety and privacy. Apple's recent initiatives aim to provide parental guidance while respecting personal privacy, attempting to strike a balance in a complex digital landscape that increasingly involves younger users.