Apple release iOS 13.3 update with better parental controls

Apple has pushed out updates to most of its operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, WatchOS and tvOS. The latest builds are called iOS 13.3, iPadOS 13.3, WatchOS 6.1.1 and tvOS 13.3. The main feature the update adds to the iPhone and iPad are the new controls introduced in Screen Time.

Apple introduced Screen Time with iOS 13, much to the delight of parents across the world. However, the feature was missing a few key features, some of which are now being introduced. The iOS 13.3 update brings the ability to control who your child can call during the restricted usage hours. Up until now, the phone and message apps were excluded from the restrictions imposed by Screen Time. However, after updating to iOS 13.3, you will find a new option called Screen Time Communication. This feature allows parents to select the contacts who their child can call or message when the phone is in Downtime mode. This limit will apply to the phone app, the messages app and FaceTime.

There is also a major bug fix being shipped with iOS 13.3, which prevents someone from rendering your iOS device unusable thanks to a Denial of Services attack through AirDrop. Initially discovered and reported to Apple in August, the vulnerability would allow an attacker to incessantly send AirDrop request to compatible devices and as soon as you accept or decline the request, another one would pop-up, preventing you from using the phone. Apple has fixed this bug in iOS 13.3 by preventing any further prompts from showing up in the event that you decline a request three times.

Depending on the device you own, you can download the update over the air, except for in the case of an Apple Watch, which requires an iPhone to download the update and ship to the watch.

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