Apple is tightening the gates on adult-rated apps. If you’re under 18, downloading certain apps is about to get a lot harder, and for developers, following child safety rules is about to get more serious.
The company has announced a global rollout of new age-verification tools designed to meet growing online child safety laws in the U.S. and several other countries.
Along with this, Apple has updated its Declared Age Range API, which is now available in beta for developers to test. Apple said: Today, we’re providing an update on the tools available for developers to meet their age assurance obligations under upcoming U.S. and regional laws, including in Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Utah, and Louisiana. Updates to the Declared Age Range API are now available in beta for testing. What’s changing and where
The new system will affect users in Australia, Brazil, Singapore, Utah, and Louisiana. Starting February 24, 2026, users in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore won’t be able to download apps rated 18+ unless they are confirmed to be adults. In the U.S., similar rules will take effect in Utah from May 6, 2026, and in Louisiana from July 1, 2026. In these states, developers will need to use Apple’s tools to verify a user’s age category. In some cases, they may also need parental approval, especially if an app rolls out a major update. Apple made it clear that these changes are meant to help developers stay compliant with regional laws that demand stricter child safety measures. How the new age verification works At the heart of this update is Apple’s improved Declared Age Range API. This tool allows apps to understand which age category a user belongs to, without revealing their exact date of birth. The updated API can now also signal: Also read: Here’s how you can delete or block promotional messages on Android and iPhone
How the user’s age was verified “New signals are now available through the Declared Age Range API, including whether age-related regulatory requirements apply to the user and if the user is required to share their age range,” Apple explained. The company added, “The API will also let you know if you need to get a parent or guardian’s permission for significant app updates for a child.” For major updates, developers can use something called the Significant Update Action, currently in beta. Apple says developers must clearly explain what’s changing in the update and follow its Human Interface Guidelines. Automatic checks in some countries In Brazil, Australia, and Singapore, Apple says the App Store itself will handle age confirmation using what it calls “reasonable methods.” Apple noted: The App Store will perform this confirmation automatically. However, developers may have separate obligations to independently confirm that their users are adults. In Brazil, if a developer marks their app as containing loot boxes during the age rating process, the app will automatically be rated 18+ on the Brazilian App Store. Apple also clarified that age categories in Brazil will only be shared with developers if the user, or a parent or guardian, agrees to share that information. Also read: Samsung launches its flagship lineup, Galaxy S26 series. Does its ‘Privacy Display’ justify ₹1.4 lakh price tag?
Child protection Governments across the world are increasing pressure on tech platforms to better protect children online. Laws in parts of the U.S., as well as in countries like Brazil and Australia, now demand stronger age checks and clearer parental controls.
Apple’s latest move shows it is preparing developers and users for a stricter digital environment where age verification becomes a standard requirement, not an option.
