I can’t use Apple’s new Screen Time on my daughter’s iPhone because my son won’t update his MacBook
A parent expresses frustration with Apple's new Screen Time features, which require all devices in a family sharing group to be updated to the latest OS. The requirement has created technical hurdles for families with older hardware or family members who are difficult to coordinate.
Why it matters
It highlights the friction caused by ecosystem-wide software requirements in modern smart home and parental control management.
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 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
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in