Apple has introduced new age categories on the App Store, changing how apps are rated for children and teenagers. From now on, apps will be classified under five age brackets: 4+, 9+, 13+, 16+, and 18+. The previous 12+ and 17+ labels have been dropped.
All apps and games have been automatically updated to match the new system. The changes are live in beta versions of Apple’s upcoming software releases, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe. A full public rollout is expected in September.
App developers are now being asked to complete new questions covering areas such as in-app features, medical or wellness content, and themes involving violence. This will allow Apple to assign age ratings more precisely. Developers can see and, if needed, revise their app’s rating through App Store Connect.
Parents browsing the App Store will begin to see more information about each app. Details will include whether it contains user-generated content, shows adverts, or has tools for parental control. These additions are designed to make it easier for families to decide whether an app is suitable.
Apps that fall outside a user’s allowed age range will be less visible on the platform. For example, they won’t appear in featured sections such as Today or Games if the account belongs to a child. This could influence how developers build and promote their apps, especially if they’re targeting younger audiences.
As part of the same update, Apple has improved the setup process for child accounts. Parents can now enter a child’s age during setup, which will be shared with developers using a new API. The API gives developers access only to the age range, not the exact birthdate, which Apple says helps personalise content without compromising privacy.
For this to work, developers must integrate the API into their apps. If they don’t, the system won’t adjust the experience based on the user’s age.
The timing of Apple’s update comes as lawmakers in the United States continue to propose legislation aimed at protecting children online. Some states are calling for app stores to confirm user ages and collect parental consent before downloads are allowed. Apple and other major platforms, including Google, have argued that app developers should handle this responsibility.
The revised rating system is Apple’s way of addressing those concerns. While it won’t stop all misuse, the company believes that giving parents better tools, and making developers more accountable, can help reduce the risks children face online.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen.
Read next: UK Begins Online Age Checks to Limit Children’s Access to Harmful Content
All apps and games have been automatically updated to match the new system. The changes are live in beta versions of Apple’s upcoming software releases, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe. A full public rollout is expected in September.
App developers are now being asked to complete new questions covering areas such as in-app features, medical or wellness content, and themes involving violence. This will allow Apple to assign age ratings more precisely. Developers can see and, if needed, revise their app’s rating through App Store Connect.
Parents browsing the App Store will begin to see more information about each app. Details will include whether it contains user-generated content, shows adverts, or has tools for parental control. These additions are designed to make it easier for families to decide whether an app is suitable.
Apps that fall outside a user’s allowed age range will be less visible on the platform. For example, they won’t appear in featured sections such as Today or Games if the account belongs to a child. This could influence how developers build and promote their apps, especially if they’re targeting younger audiences.
As part of the same update, Apple has improved the setup process for child accounts. Parents can now enter a child’s age during setup, which will be shared with developers using a new API. The API gives developers access only to the age range, not the exact birthdate, which Apple says helps personalise content without compromising privacy.
For this to work, developers must integrate the API into their apps. If they don’t, the system won’t adjust the experience based on the user’s age.
The timing of Apple’s update comes as lawmakers in the United States continue to propose legislation aimed at protecting children online. Some states are calling for app stores to confirm user ages and collect parental consent before downloads are allowed. Apple and other major platforms, including Google, have argued that app developers should handle this responsibility.
The revised rating system is Apple’s way of addressing those concerns. While it won’t stop all misuse, the company believes that giving parents better tools, and making developers more accountable, can help reduce the risks children face online.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen.
Read next: UK Begins Online Age Checks to Limit Children’s Access to Harmful Content
