Apple patents remote control for limiting kids' device communication
Apple has filed a patent for a system where a parent's device can remotely limit communication features on a child's device. The system verifies that the controlling device belongs to a family member before applying restrictions like blocking certain messages or calls.
In the filing’s own words
In some implementations, a controller device can implement communication restriction configurations on a managed device operated by a first user with a first account identifier, the configurations designed to limit a feature or functionality of the managed device. For example, the controller device can remotely cause the managed device to limit the communication capabilities of the first device. For example, the first device receives a message including the configuration. The managed device determines that the communication restriction configuration is created by a second user of the controller device. The first device identifies a second account identifier for the controller device. The first device determines that the second account identifier represents a member of a family group that includes the first account identifier. The managed device then automatically configures itself based on the first communication restriction configuration, including restricting access to one or more communication features of the managed device.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. (canceled)
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- Remotely Configuring Communication Restrictions
- Publication number
- US20260281107A1
- Application number
- 19468605
- Filed
- Feb 3, 2026
- Published
- Sep 17, 2026
- Inventors
- 9
- Claims
- 21
Classified under
H04L 63/0876 Electricity & electronicsH04L 63/0428 Electricity & electronicsH04L 63/102 Electricity & electronicsH04L 63/108 Electricity & electronicsH04L 63/20 Electricity & electronicsMore from Apple in Phones & computers
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.