A level of protection that goes beyond Screen Time
Apple presented Child Accounts for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate at the WWDC 2026 keynote: a system of specific accounts for minors that goes beyond the Screen Time introduced in previous years. According to Engadget, accounts are mandatory for children under 13 and remain available up to 18. Unlike Screen Time profiles, Child Accounts "enable safeguards across the system, tailored to the child's age," as Apple itself states.
What parents control
The setup interface is redesigned with a guided flow suggesting curated app sets — essential, curated, or personalised for the individual child. MacRumors details the parental control panel: with "Ask to Browse" enabled, every new website visited requires explicit parental approval; "Ask to Buy" applies to downloads and in-app purchases; there is also control over who the child can call, message on Messages and FaceTime, with the option to require permission before adding a new contact.
Why it matters
Regulatory pressure on big tech regarding the protection of minors online has intensified in many countries over the past two years. Apple responds with a structural approach — not just filters, but a system identity tied to age — that positions the company favourably relative to emerging regulations. The critical point will be real-world ease of use: parental controls only work if parents activate them, and complexity has historically been the main barrier to Screen Time adoption.