Apple has introduced new safety tools aimed at protecting children and teens online, including privacy-preserving features for sharing age information with apps and more detailed content labels.

The update enhances default protections for teenagers aged 13 to 17, with more specific age ratings on the App Store, such as 13+, 16+, and 18+.

Setup of Child Accounts has been simplified, making it easier for parents to ensure their children experience age-appropriate online content.

Parents can now approve app installations and manage communication limits remotely, with new features allowing for real-time notifications and better account controls.

Apple's new tools utilize on-device machine learning to blur harmful images in iMessage and AirDrop, maintaining privacy while detecting nudity, and allowing parents to monitor location sharing.

The safety system incorporates AI alerts that flag unusual activity, such as repeated attempts to access restricted content, prompting parental intervention while preserving end-to-end encryption.

These safety features are expected to influence industry standards, encouraging competitors like Google and Meta to improve their child safety measures, with smarter account setups accessible for all parents.

The updates include advanced parental controls with real-time notifications, enhanced family sharing, and account management features to set restrictions and monitor activity.

Apple's approach balances safety and privacy, earning praise from child advocacy groups, although critics note it may not fully address risks like social media predation.

These features were previewed at WWDC 2025 in June, with earlier hints dating back to February, signaling a strategic push towards safer digital environments for youth.

Future plans involve integrating safety features with upcoming hardware like AirTag 2 and HomePod Mini 2, creating a comprehensive ecosystem focused on child safety.

Availability and minimum age requirements for creating Apple accounts vary by country and region, with details accessible on Apple's support website.