Apple Overhauls Age Ratings for App Store.
Apple has implemented substantial modifications to its age rating system within the App Store, designed to deliver more nuanced recommendations regarding suitable content for various age groups.
Effective changes include the introduction of ratings for ages 13+, 16+, and 18+ in addition to existing categories for 4+ and 9+. The removal of the 12+ and 17+ age ranges has also taken place. These alterations have been implemented automatically based on developers’ previous responses to Apple’s questionnaires, with a public rollout scheduled for September. Early access is available for users running beta versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26.
In an effort to identify sensitive content within applications prior to their addition to the App Store, Apple has introduced a series of new questions. These inquiries cover topics such as medical or wellness themes, violence, and in-app controls. Developers have been requested to complete the updated questionnaire via App Store Connect by January 31, 2026. Failure to comply will result in app updates being blocked until the new questions are addressed.
Additionally, developers now possess the capability to assign a higher age rating than that determined by the App Store, if they wish to exercise additional precaution with regard to the intended audience for their content. Age ratings will remain country-specific and may vary based on regional standards of appropriateness. For instance, South Korea employs distinct criteria for what constitutes an 18+ game compared to Australia.
These adjustments to Apple’s age rating policies may be seen as positive developments by parents, given the controversy surrounding the App Store’s exposure of children to potentially harmful content over the years.
In late 2024, nonprofit organizations ParentsTogether Action and Heat Initiative alleged they had discovered approximately 200 applications with inappropriate content rated “safe” for children aged 12 and under, and even as young as four. This includes a range of services such as AI face rating, AI girlfriends, stranger chat, adult-themed gaming, fasting and weight loss tracking, beauty filters, drug-dealing simulators, and violent games.
Apple is currently navigating significant scrutiny from some US regulators over its parental controls. In May, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the App Store Accountability Act, which compels app store operators like Apple to verify a user’s age and secure parental consent before minors can download apps or make in-app purchases.
