EQUIPThe Verge · 1h ago
I can’t use Apple’s new Screen Time on my daughter’s iPhone because my son won’t update his MacBook
Executive Brief
The 30-second read
Apple's iOS 27 Screen Time update introduces significant compatibility barriers for family account management. The system requires all linked devices to run the latest software versions, effectively disabling parental controls across the network if a single user fails to update.
- 01New Screen Time features in iOS 27 lack backward compatibility with older operating system versions
- 02Parental control functionality is compromised by individual users failing to update secondary hardware
- 03Hardware ecosystem fragmentation creates significant administrative friction for multi-device family account managers
- 04Rollout mechanics prioritize platform uniformity over individual device autonomy and control continuity
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After suffering years of frustration with Apple's parental control features, I've been eagerly anticipating the revamped Screen Time that launched last month with iOS 27. Unfortunately, I can't use it. Technically, this is because my 18-year-old son hasn't got round to updating his MacBook. But mostly, it's because Apple's rollout of the new feature has […]