Apple Tightens App Store Rules with New Age Ratings
Apple is expanding its App Store age-rating system to offer more precise guidance for parents and guardians. Previously, the company used 4+, 9+, 12+, and 17+ age bands. Now, Apple is replacing the 12+ and 17+ categories with new 13+, 16+, and 18+ designations. This change provides finer distinctions across age groups. Alongside the new labels, developers must now complete updated age-rating questionnaires to identify sensitive content in their apps more accurately.
To support the transition, Apple has automatically updated all apps and games to align with the new rating system. This change is already live in the beta versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26. While developers can manually adjust their ratings, the system’s goal is to help ensure that apps match their intended audience more closely. The full rollout is expected this September.
Apple’s system also requires developers to disclose whether their apps or games contain potentially sensitive topics. These include violence, medical or wellness features, and the presence of in-app controls. With this data, Apple calculates a recommended age rating, which developers can review and adjust in App Store Connect.
Parental Tools and Developer Implications
With the new ratings in place, Apple is improving how it helps families manage app access. The company says these ratings will restrict app downloads when the age exceeds the limits set on a child’s device. Additionally, the App Store will no longer highlight age-inappropriate content in tabs like Today, Games, or Apps for those users.
These changes come alongside broader child safety initiatives announced earlier this year. Apple is making it easier for parents to set up child accounts and share age-related data securely. That information can then be used by developers to tailor app content. Developers are encouraged to take advantage of Apple’s new developer API, which helps them adapt their apps without compromising a child’s personal information.
App listings will also include more details to assist parents and guardians. For example, listings will now indicate if an app includes user-generated content or advertising both of which could expose kids to inappropriate material. Furthermore, parents will be notified if an app offers parental controls, which may encourage greater trust and app adoption.
Increasing an app’s age rating could reduce its visibility and overall reach. As a result, developers might be more motivated to implement parental controls or design age-specific user experiences to maintain a broader audience.
Context and Industry Reactions
This update arrives as debates intensify at state and federal levels about protecting children online. Lawmakers in several U.S. states are introducing legislation that could mandate app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent before allowing app downloads. However, while companies like Meta have advocated for stores to handle the process, Apple and Google favor a developer-led approach.
Apple’s solution is to strike a balance between regulatory compliance and user privacy. By offering developers access to only age range data rather than specific birthdates the company aims to prevent the mishandling of children’s personal information. Since this data is set by the parent during device setup, it’s more likely to be accurate than age information children may enter themselves.
Still, for the system to function effectively, developers must choose to integrate with the API. Without their participation, the full benefit of Apple’s updated age-verification framework may not be realized.
