Apple announced a major expansion of its age-assurance toolkit, introducing the Declared Age Range API to help developers comply with a growing wave of global child-safety laws.
While the App Store has long used age ratings, this new system shifts from passive labeling to active verification, particularly for apps rated 18+.
How the API Works
The core philosophy behind Apple’s implementation is “Privacy-Preserving Compliance.” Instead of requiring developers to collect and store sensitive documents like government IDs, Apple handles the verification at the OS level and provides a “signal” to the app.
- The “Signal” System: When an app requests age info, the API returns a categorical bracket (e.g., Under 13, 13–17, or 18+) rather than a specific birthdate.
- Verification Methods: Apple automatically confirms a user’s age using “reasonable methods” already on file, such as:
- Payment Method: Verifying a valid credit card (which requires the holder to be an adult).
- Account History: The age of the Apple Account and historical activity.
- Device Biometrics: Using FaceID or TouchID to confirm the user matches the account owner.
- Zero-Knowledge for Devs: Apps receive the “signal” but never see the raw data used for verification, reducing the legal and security risk for developers.
Regional Rollout (Effective Feb 24, 2026)
Apple has immediately activated “Age-Based Download Blocking” in specific markets where new regulations are taking effect:
| Region | Status | Rule |
| Australia, Brazil, Singapore | Live Now | Users are blocked from downloading 18+ apps unless they have been confirmed as adults by the App Store. |
| Utah, USA | May 6, 2026 | Mandatory age-category sharing for new accounts. |
| Louisiana, USA | July 1, 2026 | Mandatory age-category sharing for new accounts. |
| United Kingdom | In Beta | Currently testing “Confirm You Are 18+” prompts in the iOS 26.4 beta to comply with the Online Safety Act. |
Special Case: The “Loot Box” Rule in Brazil
In a notable policy shift, Apple confirmed that for the Brazil storefront, any game that declares it contains “loot boxes” (gambling-like in-app purchases) will have its age rating automatically updated to 18+. This effectively prevents minors in Brazil from downloading games with randomized monetization features.
Developer Obligations
While the App Store performs an automatic check at the time of download, developers have new responsibilities under the iOS 26 SDK:
- Significant Update Action: If an app is making a “significant change” (e.g., adding new social features or adult content), it must use the API to re-verify the user or seek parental consent if the user is a minor.
- App Store Server Notifications: Developers will now receive real-time alerts if a parent revokes consent for a minor to use their app.
- Xcode 26 Requirement: Starting April 28, 2026, all apps uploaded to the App Store must be built with Xcode 26 to support these mandatory age-assurance hooks.
Why This Matters
This API is Apple’s answer to the “App Store Accountability Acts” passing in various U.S. states and the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). By building these tools into the OS, Apple is attempting to prevent a fragmented internet where users have to upload their IDs to dozens of different websites and apps.
