Apple OS 27 updates will include child safety features

Apple has announced its latest operating system updates — iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27 (Golden Gate) — introducing a major overhaul focused on performance enhancements, a refined user interface and robust parental control features designed to bolster youth safety.

The update brings significant performance improvements, offering smoother animation rendering and giving users the ability to manually adjust the transparency of the “Liquid Glass” interface.

The new Parental Controls feature allows guardians to restrict youth device usage, manage accessible content, monitor contacts and set strict screen time limits. Parents can also enable an “Ask Permission” feature that triggers a request whenever a child attempts to download applications or visit websites.

Image Playground introduces powerful new ways for users to bring their imagination to life, such as creating high-quality images in a realistic, photographic style.

With the Notify Me feature, users can ask Safari to check for changes to web pages, such as restocking or sales, so they can stay updated on topics they're interested in.

The Messages app displays one-tap suggestions based on the user's conversation context, making it easier than ever to manage things like creating reminders or notes.

To promote healthier habits in young users, the system recommends daily screen time limits based on clinical advice and child development expert guidelines. It also generates insights detailing peak app usage throughout the day, while contact-restriction tools for Messages, FaceTime and Phone ensure children can only communicate with approved individuals from their contact lists.

The underlying architecture of the new operating systems has been optimised for better RAM efficiency, CPU processing and display performance. According to Apple, app launches are now 30% faster, photo processing has improved by 70%, and AirDrop file transfer speeds have increased by up to 80%. On iPadOS, file transfers are up to five times faster, bringing performance in line with Mac’s Finder.

For older devices, Apple is introducing a new CPU scheduler technology for the iPhone 11 and newer models. This technology optimises background resource allocation to ensure older hardware can run the latest functions efficiently. Additionally, search capabilities across Spotlight, Photos and Mail have been stabilised using a new Search Index system that catalogues device data for more accurate queries.

On iOS 27, users can now swipe to dismiss the “Now Playing” widget from the lock screen, hiding it within the Dynamic Island — a feature heavily requested by users. However, in the current Developer Beta, the widget cannot be manually recalled immediately; users must pause media playback for a few minutes for the widget system to reset to its normal state.

The iCloud Shared Photos library offers cross-platform photo sharing with full resolution support.

Other notable features included in the rollout:

1. Cross-Platform Sharing: Users can now share iCloud photos in full resolution across Android and Windows platforms.

2. Video Frame Capture: The Photos app adds a “Save a Video Frame” tool, allowing users to instantly save a video frame as a still image without screenshotting.

AirPods users can customize the EQ to further fine-tune the sound of their AirPods to their liking.

3. Custom AirPods EQ: AirPods users can now manually adjust bass, midrange and treble frequencies for an optimised listening experience.

4. Flexible Mirroring: macOS 27 supports more flexible resizing for the iPhone Mirroring window.

5. Dual-Camera FaceTime: FaceTime now supports simultaneous front and rear camera streaming during video calls.

6. Independent Volume Controls: Users can now adjust ringtones, alarms, notifications and system sounds independently, replacing the previous unified volume system.

The Public Beta versions of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27 and visionOS 27 are scheduled for release in July 2026, with the official stable rollout expected in late 2026, likely around September.

Source: Apple

Setting up a child account allows parents to instantly enable age-appropriate protection across the entire system.

With the Ask to Browse feature, children must ask for permission before accessing new websites. This feature works seamlessly with Safari on iPhone, iPad and Mac.

Once a child's account is created, parents can help keep the child focused on getting started by using the Setup Assistant to select apps the child can access, which may only be a few essential apps.

Communication security features, which already blur nudity in Messages and FaceTime calls by default for users under 18, now also block gory or violent content in shared images or videos.

The Time Allowances feature allows parents to set limits on three types of apps: entertainment, games, and social media, which often require supervision.

Parents can set daily schedules to manage which apps their children can access at different times each day of the week.

These tools, developed using insights from child development and clinical experts, provide parents with information about the recommended number of hours of daily screen time for their children.

A new slider in the settings allows users to customize Liquid Glass to their liking, from completely clear to fully tinted according to individual preferences.

The app icon has been updated to be sharper and more three-dimensional.