During a child’s first iPhone setup, you can select apps you consider appropriate; your child can request others later. For ongoing control, use the child’s Settings > Family > [child’s name] > Apps & Websites settings to allow or block specific apps. Apple’s published iOS 27 instructions, as of October 7, 2026, require version 27 or later on the relevant family devices for the described controls.
Choose the control that fits your decision
App availability, download approval, age suitability, and time limits are separate decisions. Match the setting to what you want to manage rather than treating them as interchangeable parental controls.
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| Control | What it manages | Best fit | How flexible it is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allowed and Blocked lists | Access to a particular app or website | You want a specific app available or unavailable | Review and change individual entries as needs change |
| App age-rating restrictions | Apps according to their age rating | You want a broad rule instead of reviewing every app | A child may request an exception for an app above the configured rating |
| Ask to Buy | Approval for eligible downloads and purchases, including app downloads and in-app purchases | You want to review eligible new requests | A parent or guardian can approve or decline; defaults and whether it can be turned off depend on region and age |
| App Limits | Time spent in an app or category | You want to limit use, not simply control availability | Set a time allowance for an app or category |
| Content & Privacy Restrictions | Apps, content, and settings on the device | You need restrictions beyond a decision about one app’s access | Configure the restrictions relevant to your child |
Apple documents these distinct functions in its guides to app and website access, Screen Time, and Ask to Buy. Individual lists offer precision but require app-by-app review; an age boundary is broader and may need exceptions.
Set up the child’s account and initial apps
- Create a separate child account. Add the child’s Apple Account to your Family Sharing group. Apple recommends a child account rather than sharing an Apple Account with another family member. See Apple’s parental-control setup guide.
- Select apps during first-time iPhone setup. Choose the apps you consider suitable for the child’s needs. Apple says children can request new apps over time; the selection is not a permanent decision. Its setup guidance for app and website safety describes this initial choice and later requests.
- Adjust specific app access when needed. On the family device, open Settings > Family > [child’s name] > Apps & Websites. Search for an app and add it to the Allowed or Blocked list, then review those lists as circumstances change. Apple explains the controls in its app and website access instructions.
- Add other controls only for their specific purpose. Use age-rating restrictions for a broad suitability boundary, Ask to Buy to approve eligible requests, or App Limits to manage time. Screen Time also provides Content & Privacy Restrictions for other device settings.
- Consider requests individually. A child can request an app or an exception to an age-rating rule. Review whether the request suits the child and your family’s rules; you can revisit access using the available controls.
Check software, age, and region if settings differ
Apple says the described family controls require version 27 or later of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, or visionOS, and all devices in the family group need to be upgraded to use the full feature set. Confirm the child is in Family Sharing and check the software versions if a menu or control is missing.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Age thresholds and defaults vary by country or region. For example, Apple says Ask to Buy is on by default in the United States for children under 13 and, in some cases, for teens under 18. Those U.S. defaults should not be assumed elsewhere; local law, age, and account configuration can affect which controls appear or whether a setting can be turned off. See Apple’s Ask to Buy guidance and parental-control setup instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
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