iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 give parents more ways than ever to protect kids and teens online when using Apple products. Here are some ways to make the most of the new and existing features and give yourself some parental peace of mind.

The Communication Limits feature offers parents the ability to manage when their kids can communicate with others, applying limits across Phone, FaceTime, Messages, Shared Albums and iCloud contacts. Now the feature extends to third-party apps, letting parents manage who their kids can chat with and follow or friend in supported apps and games.

To help parents ensure their children are viewing age-appropriate content in apps, the Information section of an app’s product page on the App Store now shows the app’s age rating, along with sensitive content you may find (such as cartoon violence or mature themes), what controls parents have access to and capabilities like unrestricted web access.

With iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, a parent can allow their children to share the age range associated with their Child Account with an app, so the app can provide an age-appropriate experience.

Ask to Buy lets parents approve or decline their kids’ App Store downloads and in-app purchases. In iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, parents can now approve their children’s requests to download an app that exceeds their age rating.

Screen Time gives you weekly reports on your child’s iPhone, iPad and Mac usage. See what apps they’re using most, set time limits for specific apps, create exceptions for categories (such as educational tools) or make an app off-limits altogether.

Carefully curated by App Store Editors to meet our highest standards for privacy and safety, the Kids category helps parents find the best age-appropriate apps.