By Andrew Brown in Canberra

Child safety changes on Apple devices have been inspired by Australia’s ban on under-16s using social media.

Apple’s chief executive Tim Cook has spoken with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the changes in a phone call on Tuesday, singling out the restrictions enforced for young Australians.

Under the changes to devices such as iPhones and iPads announced overnight, access to content can be limited for under-18s.

Permission will need to be asked before apps can be downloaded or whether purchases can be made, while parents can also manage who their children communicate with.

Messages that include nudity, gore or violent content will be blocked.

“Mr Cook told me these changes are in part inspired by Australia’s world-leading social media age ban, as well as the continued research Apple is undertaking into the impact of social media on kids,” Mr Albanese said in a statement following the phone call.

“I welcome this announcement, and I am proud of the world-leading work Australia is doing to fight for a safer online world for our children.

“We have a long way to go, and we knew it would not be easy. However, we are now seeing a number of nations follow Australia’s lead and take forward their own social media age bans.”

Australia’s social media ban came into effect in December, with under-16s barred from having accounts with 10 social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

Mr Albanese said more than five million accounts had been removed, deactivated or restricted since the ban.

“Mr Cook invited me to visit Apple the next time I am in the United States to see this technology in action, and I plan to take up that offer so we can keep learning how best to protect our kids,” the prime minister said.

“Australian parents led this effort and we are proud to back them.

“Social media companies have a social responsibility, and we make no apology for holding them to account to help keep kids safe.”