Apple Expands Age Verification and 18+ App Restrictions Globally

Apple has announced new updates to its App Store age assurance framework, introducing expanded tools and stricter download controls in several regions. The changes affect app distribution in Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Utah, and Louisiana, and aim to help developers comply with evolving regional laws on age verification and child protection.

At the center of the update is the Declared Age Range API, now available in beta with new capabilities. Alongside it, Apple is introducing additional compliance signals and download restrictions for 18+ apps.

Stronger Age Assurance for Global Compliance

As governments tighten regulations around youth online safety, Apple is enhancing its platform-level age verification infrastructure. The updated Declared Age Range API allows developers to request a user’s age category, provided the user—or a parent or guardian where required—consents to share it.

The API now also returns:

• The method of age assurance used on the device
• Whether age-related regulatory requirements apply to the user
• Whether the user must share their age range under local law
• Whether parental approval is required for significant app updates

These additions provide developers with clearer compliance signals without exposing precise birthdate data, reinforcing Apple’s privacy-focused approach.

Brazil: Age Categories and Loot Box Implications

In Brazil, developers can use the updated API to access a user’s age category once consent is given. This supports compliance with local digital regulations that emphasize youth protection.

Loot Boxes Automatically Trigger 18+ Rating

If an app distributed in Brazil declares the presence of loot boxes in the age rating questionnaire, its App Store age rating will automatically be set to 18+ on the Brazil storefront.

This adjustment increases scrutiny on monetization mechanics commonly associated with gambling-like behavior and aligns with Brazil’s tightening stance on digital consumer protection.

Automatic Blocking of 18+ Apps

Australia, Singapore, and Brazil

Beginning February 24, 2026, users in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore will be blocked from downloading apps rated 18+ unless they have been confirmed as adults through reasonable verification methods.

The App Store will automatically handle this adult confirmation process. However, developers may still carry independent legal obligations under local regulations to verify user age separately.

The Declared Age Range API—available on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS—provides a supporting signal to help developers meet these requirements.

Utah and Louisiana: Expanded Developer Obligations

New state-level requirements in the U.S. introduce additional compliance responsibilities.

• Utah: Applies to new Apple Accounts created from May 6, 2026
• Louisiana: Applies to new Apple Accounts created from July 1, 2026

When requested through the Declared Age Range API, age categories will be shared with apps for users in these states.

To support compliance, Apple has expanded its toolset:

Declared Age Range API

Provides age category data and regulatory signals.

Significant Change API (PermissionKit)

Allows developers to request user acknowledgment for major updates.

New Age Rating Property in StoreKit

Helps manage rating metadata aligned with regional regulations.

App Store Server Notifications

Enables backend awareness of relevant account or regulatory events.

Developers releasing significant updates must follow Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines and clearly explain update content when prompting users for consent. A new Significant Update Action (beta) allows adult users in Utah and Louisiana to review and approve such updates when required.

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Editor's Comments

Apple’s latest age assurance expansion reflects a broader global trend: governments are shifting responsibility for child safety onto digital platforms and developers. By centralizing age verification signals at the system level, Apple reduces friction for developers while maintaining privacy safeguards.

Early adoption of the Declared Age Range API and related tools will likely become a baseline compliance strategy for apps targeting youth-accessible markets.