TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - US-based tech giant, Apple, is introducing new child safety features in the upcoming iOS 27 update. These features include the process of creating child accounts, monitoring content, managing communication contacts, setting app usage time allocations, and redesigning Screen Time. Here are the details of the features introduced by Apple.
1. Creating Child Accounts
Apple has simplified the process of creating child accounts, which form the basis for various built-in protections on the devices. When setting up a new device, parents can now directly choose whether the device will be used by a child, teen, or adult.
If the child option is chosen, the device will automatically prompt to be connected to a family account. Once connected, parents can create a child account directly from their own device.
Child accounts automatically activate age-based protections, such as blocking known adult websites, age-based content restrictions in the App Store, and age-appropriate media filtering. This feature is mandatory for children under the age of 13 and available until the age of 18.
Apple has also added a parental verification process through Face ID or connected payment methods to ensure that the account is indeed created by an adult.
2. Parental Control Over Accessed Content by Children
Apple provides more detailed control over the apps and websites that can be accessed by children. During the initial setup, parents can choose the available app package, ranging from essential apps like Phone, Messages, and FaceTime to a combination of communication and entertainment apps. Parents can also individually select apps that the child is allowed to use.
If a child wants to download a new app, they must request permission from the parents. The request will appear through the Message app on the parents' device, complete with information such as age rating, app description, and the reason for the age classification provided by Apple.
In the App Store, children can still browse apps freely, but all displayed content will be filtered based on their account age. For example, a nine-year-old account will only see apps with a nine-year-old or lower age rating.
Apple has also introduced a new feature called Ask to Browse. Through this feature, children must request permission before accessing previously unapproved websites. Parents can review the site content before deciding to allow or deny access.
Furthermore, the Communication Safety feature is now expanded. Previously, it only detected images or videos containing nudity, but now the system can also detect bloody and violent content to provide additional protection when children communicate online.
3. Who Can Communicate with the Child
Apple also extends control over the contacts that can interact with the child. By default, each new contact must obtain parental approval before communicating with the child. If an unknown person sends a message, the child cannot see the message content until a parent gives permission.
Children can send approval requests by explaining the sender's identity, such as a school friend or sports team mate. Parents can then approve or reject the request.
If still in doubt, parents can also preview messages using the Screen Time passcode before deciding whether the contact is suitable to be added to the approved list.
4. Time Allowances
Apple also introduces a new feature called Time Allowances, allowing parents to allocate usage time based on app categories. Instead of limiting a specific app, parents can set a total duration for categories such as entertainment, games, and social media. Children are free to determine how that time is used.
Apple also provides usage duration recommendations based on general guidelines. If parents set a duration considered too high, the system will issue a warning.
In addition to the default categories, parents can create their own custom categories. For example, a "Learning" category containing educational apps. This category can then be given additional time allowances or separate usage schedules.
Apple also presents Schedules feature, allowing parents to create different schedules for school days, weekends, or specific activities such as sports practice. During school hours, access to entertainment, games, and social media apps can be automatically blocked, while productivity and communication apps remain available.
5. Redesigned Screen Time
Apple has also overhauled the display and functionality of Screen Time to make it easier for parents to use. Through the new interface, parents can view a summary of their child's device usage, including daily average usage time and most frequently used apps.
At the top, quick controls are available, allowing parents to temporarily pause device usage, provide unrestricted access without removing content and privacy restrictions, and instantly switch to other schedules.
The device pause feature is also updated. Parents can now stop access to almost all apps for a specific period, such as one hour or during a trip.
When this feature is active, all apps will be locked as if the daily usage limit has been reached. A child who wants to open an app must request additional time from the parents, while always-allowed apps like Phone and Messages can still be used.
With these updates, Apple seeks to provide more detailed control to parents to monitor their children's usage of apps, websites, contacts, and device usage time, while adjusting these rules as their children grow older and their needs change.
Read: New iOS 27 Update Brings Easier iPhone-Android Photo Sharing
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
