iOS 27 parental controls: Engadget walks through the changes

iOS 27 brought more than Siri AI. Engadget reports Apple worked with the American Academy of Pediatrics on a set of new parental control features. These include Time Allowances, Ask to Browse, Ask to Add Contacts, Pause Devices, and expanded Communication Safety.

Time Allowances replaces App Limits, offering more granular control. Parents can set daily limits for categories like social media or entertainment, rather than per app. Ask to Browse requires approval for unapproved websites, with requests sent through Messages. Communication Safety now blurs graphic violence and gore in addition to nudity. Ask to Add Contacts forces kids to get approval before calling or texting new numbers. Pause Devices lets parents lock a child's device with one tap.

These features require all devices in a Family Sharing group to be on the latest OS versions. Engadget notes that unupdateable devices will use the older iOS 26 controls, creating a gap.

Setup starts with creating a Child Account. Engadget advises going to Settings > Family on an iPhone. The new setup offers age-appropriate app recommendations. For kids under 13, Ask to Browse and contact management are on by default. Communication Safety is on for everyone under 18. Parents can then set schedules and usage caps.

• AAP
• Apple
• Family Sharing
• iOS 27
• parental controls
• safety