Apple Introduces New Features to Enhance Online Safety for Kids
Apple has announced a range of new features and updates aimed at making the online experience safer for children, while empowering parents with more control. These changes include an updated age rating system, easier parental controls for child accounts, improved app experience for kids on the App Store, and a new API designed to deliver age-appropriate content. Here’s everything you need to know about these updates.
Simplified Child Account Setup
Apple is streamlining the process for setting up child accounts. When creating an account, users will now specify the age range of the person using the device. For accounts under age 13, a new “Connect to Family” option will allow parents to provide consent.
Previously, Apple required a credit card for verification, but going forward, parents can use their existing Apple services payment history and confirm with Face ID or Touch ID for authentication. If a parent isn’t available, children can create an account with automatic content restrictions in place for web browsing and messaging. App downloads and other features will remain limited until parental consent is provided. Later this year, Apple will also let parents correct age ranges on existing child accounts if needed.
Updated Age Categories for Apps
Apple is introducing new age ratings to provide better content categorization. The updated system includes:
- 4+: No objectionable content.
- 9+: May include mild cartoon violence, profanity, or fantasy themes.
- 13+: May feature medical or treatment-focused content, alcohol, tobacco, drug references, or mild sexual content.
- 16+: Includes unrestricted web access and intense mature or suggestive themes.
- 18+: Content may include gambling, nudity, or realistic violence.
Children will only see apps that match their age rating or parental settings. Moreover, age-restricted apps won’t appear in App Store advertisements targeted at younger users.
Declared Age Range API for Developers
To ensure children only see age-appropriate content, Apple is introducing the Declared Age Range API. This tool allows developers to verify a user’s age range without accessing specific sensitive information like date of birth. Parents will have the option to control what data is shared with developers while preserving their child’s privacy.
Apple emphasizes that this approach collects the minimum data necessary to deliver these features. Unlike platform-level legislation that requires universal age verification and sharing of sensitive information like government IDs, Apple’s method prioritizes user privacy and safety.
Developer Responsibilities
Developers will be required to disclose whether their apps include user-generated content, ads, age verification requirements, or parental controls. This information will be displayed on App Store product pages, helping parents make informed choices.
Addressing Global and Local Online Safety Concerns
Apple’s updates come as the U.S. and other countries consider stricter child protection laws. U.S. states are exploring legislation requiring app stores to confirm user ages and obtain parental consent for minors. Similarly, the UK and Australia have enacted laws holding companies accountable for protecting children online.
Apple has opposed platform-level age verification laws that require collecting and sharing sensitive data across all apps, citing privacy concerns. Instead, Apple’s API and age range features aim to meet safety demands without compromising user security.
When Will These Changes Be Available?
Apple plans to roll out these updates by the end of the year, though an exact timeline hasn’t been confirmed yet.
For more details, check out Apple’s white paper, “Helping Protect Kids Online.”
As online safety remains a priority, Apple’s new features aim to provide parents with greater control while ensuring children have a safe and age-appropriate digital experience.
