Apple is redesigning Screen Time and overhauling child controls

Apple announced a significant redesign of its Screen Time parental control features at WWDC 2026, aiming to enhance child safety on iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. The upcoming updates, integrated into iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, will provide parents and guardians with expanded controls over their children's device usage. Key enhancements include more granular options for managing app access, setting time limits for specific applications, and establishing downtime schedules. A notable addition is the introduction of "Communication Safety," which will scan incoming and outgoing photos and videos for nudity and alert parents if such content is detected, even if the child attempts to send it. This feature will also extend to messages sent and received within the FaceTime app. Furthermore, Apple is introducing "Sensitive Content Warning," which will blur images and videos containing nudity across various apps, including Messages, AirDrop, and third-party applications, before a user chooses to view them. The company also detailed plans to improve its existing child safety features, such as the ability to report child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and to block explicit content. These updates represent Apple's ongoing commitment to addressing concerns around child online safety and providing parents with more robust tools to manage their children's digital experiences.