Apple is turning up the heat on digital safety with a sweeping set of child protection features in its entire software lineup this fall. In one of its most parent-focused moves yet, the tech giant is giving families more control over who their kids can talk to—literally. 

With the new iOS 26 update, children will need parental approval before texting or calling any new number, and permission requests will pop up right in the Messages app. With just a tap, parents can now block unwanted interactions before they even begin, marking a bold step forward in Apple’s mission to create a safer, more mindful digital space for young users.

PermissionKit: Extending Controls to Third-Party Apps

It is also introducing a developer-facing feature called PermissionKit. This tool allows app makers to embed similar permission structures into their platforms. Whether it’s a social media app or a gaming service, children can send parental requests to follow, friend, or initiate chats, ensuring consistent protection even outside of Apple’s native ecosystem.

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While existing parental controls automatically apply to children under 13, Apple is expanding its protection strategy to include users aged 13 to 17. The updated system introduces "age-appropriate safeguards" that dynamically apply based on the child's age group, adding a more nuanced approach to online safety as children grow older. 

Enhanced Communication Safety Tools

Apple’s Communication Safety tool is also being upgraded. In an industry-first move, the system will now detect nudity in FaceTime video calls and issue an intervention to protect young users. Additionally, shared albums in the Photos app will now blur any detected nudity by default, reducing the risk of exposure to inappropriate content.

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Detailed App Ratings for Age Appropriateness

To complement its stricter safety tools, Apple is expanding the App Store’s age rating system. Instead of generic classifications, apps will now fall under more detailed categories: 13+, 16+, and 18+. This change will give both parents and older children clearer guidance about what content is suitable for their age.

Privacy-Conscious Age Sharing 

Lastly, Apple is introducing a Declared Age Range API that allows developers to request access to a child's age range, such as 13–15 or 16–17, without needing the exact date of birth. This will help developers tailor app experiences while upholding user privacy, a balance that Apple continues to emphasise.

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With these updates, Apple is reinforcing its commitment to child safety and digital well-being, offering families stronger guardrails and greater peace of mind in an increasingly connected world.