Hajra Naz
Apple has announced a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing online safety for children and teenagers using Apple devices. These updates include improved child account setup, a new age-verification system, and enhanced App Store age ratings. The goal is to help parents and developers create a safer digital experience for young users.
Parental Controls and Age Verification for Apps
Apple is introducing an easier way for parents to set up child accounts. Parents can now share their child’s age, allowing app developers to provide age-appropriate content. The App Store will also introduce a more refined age-rating system to help parents better assess app suitability.
Product pages for third-party apps will now display additional details such as whether the app features user-generated content, advertisements, or its parental control options. These updates will be available later this year.
Addressing Legislative Concerns on Child Safety
Apple’s new initiatives come at a time when multiple U.S. states, including Utah and South Carolina, are pushing for laws that require app store operators to verify children’s ages before they download apps. While Apple has traditionally placed the responsibility of age verification on developers, the new approach represents a compromise—allowing Apple to collect age data via parental input while still requiring developers to implement age-appropriate experiences.
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Simplified Child Account Setup
The new system makes setting up child accounts easier and more secure. For children under 13, a child account is required, while it remains optional for those up to 18. Parents can now verify their status by confirming their payment history rather than manually entering credit card details.
If a parent is unavailable to complete the setup, children can initiate the setup process independently. Apple will automatically apply age-appropriate web content filters and restrict data collection by app developers until a parent completes the setup. Children will also receive reminders to seek parental approval when attempting to download apps.
New Age Range API for Developers
Instead of requiring children to enter their birthdates, Apple is introducing the Declared Age Range API, which allows developers to access age range data provided by parents. This framework guarantees more prominent precision and avoids children from falsifying their birthdates to bypass restrictions.
Developers will not have the ability to enter the child’s correct birthdate but will get an age range, empowering them to tailor app encounters appropriately. Guardians can moreover upgrade or revoke authorizations at any time.
If an app requires age verification, a pop-up message will ask the child for permission to share their age range—similar to how apps request location or microphone access.
Enhanced Age Ratings on the App Store
Apple is refining its App Store age-rating framework to offer way better age-appropriate recommendations. Previously, apps were categorized into four wide age groups: 4+, 9+, 12+, and 17+. Under the modern framework, the 13+, 16+, and 18+ categories will give a more granular classification for teenage users.
Developers determine an app’s age rating by answering Apple’s content-related questions regarding intensity and frequency of certain themes. This will offer assistance to parents to make informed choices when endorsing app downloads for their children.
Additionally, the App Store will guarantee that limited apps do not appear in editorial content or curated sections like Today, Games, and Apps when they are considered inappropriate for a child’s age.
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Rollout Timeline and Industry Reactions
Some of these updates, including child account setup improvements, are available in the public beta of iOS 18.4. Other features, such as the ability to edit a child’s age after account creation, the Declared Age Range API, and updated age ratings, will be released later this year.
Meta has reacted to Apple’s declaration, calling it “a positive first step” but noticing that the framework still requires a teen’s endorsement for parental controls to be applied. The company repeated its support for legislation that mandates app stores to confirm a child’s age and get parental consent before permitting downloads.
Apple’s most recent activities reflect its continuous commitment to reinforcing child security while exploring administrative pressures and industry desires.
