Apple is revamping its app age-rating system, expanding the categories to include 13+, 16+, and 18+, while phasing out the previous 12+ and 17+ ratings. Developers are now tasked with answering a series of questions about their app’s content to better identify what might be sensitive. These new ratings are being automatically applied across apps and games on the App Store with the roll-out of beta versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, and others. Expect the general release this September.
This change empowers parents with more precise information about the apps their children wish to download, ensuring kids can’t access content beyond their age. The App Store will also limit exposure to inappropriate apps within editorial spaces like Today, Games, and Apps tabs.
Part of a larger child safety initiative, this update simplifies setting up child accounts and shares age-related data with app developers to tailor content appropriately. Parents can expect enhanced App Store listings detailing whether apps feature user-generated content or ads and whether they offer parental controls.
Adjusting an app’s age rating might influence its visibility and availability, pushing developers to incorporate age-appropriate features.
Amid growing legislative attention on children’s online safety, these updates respond to state and federal discussions about protecting young users. While Apple and Google believe app developers should handle age verification, larger companies suggest app stores take the lead. Apple’s approach offers a developer API, allowing apps to access accurate age information provided by parents. This ensures customized content while safeguarding personal data, as kids often misrepresent their age to access restricted content. Developers need to integrate this new API to fully utilize the benefits.
