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I can’t use Apple’s new Screen Time on my daughter’s iPhone because my son won’t update his MacBook
·1 min read
Key Takeaway
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.
Published October 6, 2026 · Category: Tech
Overview
To update to the revamped Screen Time parental controls, every device in my family group must be on the relevant version 27. And that was just the start of my struggles. | Screenshot by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge
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 been confusing and frustrating, with fiddly requirements that might have you digging through drawers for your old devices.
"We're working to resolve delays some families are seeing."
Katie Lowry, Apple spokesperson
I'm not even trying to use Screen Time on my son's devices. He's 18, away …
What is "I can’t use Apple’s new Screen Time on my daughter’s iPhone because my son won’t update his MacBook" about?+
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 […]
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EssentialRequired for the site to function. Always active.
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