Is Apple getting stricter? New age verification rules explained

New Delhi: Apple has officially announced its latest age verification rules for its App Store in the selected regions. Apple has stated that it is offering an update on the tools available for developers to meet their age assurance obligations under the upcoming US and regional laws.

This latest change will affect select regions, which include Brazil, Australia, Singapore, and the US states of Utah and Louisiana. Apple is now extending its age assurance tools, which include an upgraded Declared Age Range API, which is available in beta to help developers comply with these requirements.

Apple has also said that it might use the upgraded Declared Age Range API to get the user’s age category. This information will only be shared if the user’s parent or guardian agrees to share it. API will also return a signal from the user’s device by showing the method used for the age assurance.

This will help the developers understand how the age was verified. Apple has also clarified that if the developer identifies their application as containing loot boxes in the age rating questionnaire, the application’s rating on the Brazilian storefront will automatically be upgraded to 18+.

Apple is now expanding its age-sharing of the tools in the US for users with the latest Apple Accounts in Utah, starting from May 6, 2026, and in Louisiana, starting from July 1, 2026. Age categories will be shared with the developer’s application when it is requested via the Declared Age Range API.

Apple has also stated it has expanded previously announced tools to help developers meet compliance requirements in these states.

New Signals in the API will indicate whether the age-related regulations apply to the users and whether they are required to share their age range. API will also inform the developers if they must obtain parental permission before releasing significant upgrades to the child applications.

The developers can use the Significant Update Action now in the beta to notify the adults in these states about the major application updates. Apple also stated that the developers must follow the Human Interface Guidelines and offer meaningful descriptions when releasing such upgrades.