Apple Unleashes Enhanced App Store Age Ratings, Boosting Child Safety Ahead of iOS 26 General Release
Apple Unleashes Enhanced App Store Age Ratings, Boosting Child Safety Ahead of iOS 26 General Release
Apple has officially expanded its App Store age-rating system, introducing new 13+, 16+, and 18+ categories while retiring the 12+ and 17+ ranges. This significant update, designed to offer parents more precise guidance and prevent children from accessing inappropriate content, is now live with the public betas of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26.
The company confirmed that all existing apps and games across the App Store have been automatically updated to align with the new framework. Developers are now required to answer a comprehensive set of new questions regarding sensitive content, in-app controls, and app capabilities, including medical/wellness topics and violent themes. Apple will calculate the appropriate age rating, which developers can review and adjust in App Store Connect.
Set for a general release to all customers this September, the updated system is a cornerstone of Apple’s broader child safety initiatives. It aims to streamline the setup of child accounts and securely share age range information with developers via a new API, ensuring more accurate age-appropriate content delivery while safeguarding personal data. App Store product listings will also feature enriched information, detailing aspects like user-generated content, ads, and built-in parental controls.
This move comes amidst increasing legislative scrutiny concerning online child protection. By offering a robust, privacy-centric solution, Apple seeks to empower parents and ensure a safer digital environment for younger users.
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