Apple Revamps Child Safety and Parental Controls Across iOS 27 at WWDC — Mandatory Child Accounts, Age-Gated App Access, Inspired by Australia's Under-16 Social Media Law

Apple announced at WWDC 2026 a sweeping overhaul of child safety features reportedly shaped by Australia's under-16 social media ban. New capabilities include mandatory child accounts for those under 13 (optional up to 18) with system-wide age-tailored safeguards, parental control over who children may call and which apps and websites they may access, and default activation of Ask to Browse and Ask to Buy for sub-13 devices. Apple says the system proactively suggests how restrictions can relax over time as the child ages, rather than requiring manual parental adjustment.