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Apple’s new Screen Time update is creating headaches for families with multiple devices

The Verge • October 6, 2026 • technology

Key Points:

Apple's revamped Screen Time feature in iOS 27 requires every device in a Family Sharing group to be updated to OS 27, causing frustration among parents due to compatibility and update delays.
Older "legacy" devices that cannot update to OS 27 are excluded from the new Screen Time features, forcing some families to remove these devices or continue using the older Screen Time version.
Users report issues such as devices being incorrectly recognized as outdated, delays in feature activation after updates, and confusing setup processes that hinder access to the new parental controls.
Apple acknowledges these rollout problems and states it is working to improve the setup experience and resolve delays some families face.
The update requirement creates challenges for families with hand-me-down devices, as children may end up with mixed device compatibility, complicating parental control management.

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