Hajra Naz
Apple is rolling out a new set of age-verification and compliance tools as governments across the U.S. and around the world tighten child safety and age-restriction laws.
The company announced Tuesday that it is expanding its “age assurance” framework, including an updated declared age range API, which is now available in beta. The system allows developers to determine a user’s age category without accessing sensitive personal data such as a birthdate.
Blocking 18+ Apps in Select Countries
As part of the update, Apple will now block downloads of 18+ rated apps in Brazil, Australia, and Singapore until users confirm they are adults. The App Store handles age confirmation automatically. However, Apple noted that developers may still need to meet additional local compliance requirements.
In Brazil, developers can use the Declared Age Range API to access a user’s age bracket—but only if the user, or a parent or guardian, chooses to share it.
Loot Boxes and Gambling Concerns
Apple is also adjusting ratings for certain games. In Brazil, titles featuring loot boxes — in-game purchases that offer randomized rewards and are often compared to gambling — will now be classified as 18+. Lawmakers in several regions have raised concerns that such mechanics should not be available to minors.
Read More: Do App Stores Have the Power to Protect Kids From Social Media?
Changes in Utah and Louisiana
In the United States, new users in Utah and Louisiana will soon have their age category automatically shared with developers through the Declared Age Range API. Apple says it has expanded related tools tied to age ratings, permissions, and regulatory signals to meet state-level requirements.
According to Apple, the updated API will now indicate:
-
Whether age-based regulations apply to a user
-
Whether a user is required to share their age range
-
Whether developers must obtain parental consent before rolling out significant updates to a child’s app
Ongoing Legal and Regulatory Battles
Apple has previously adjusted its systems to meet similar requirements. In October, the company moved to comply with age-verification rules in Texas, though some measures were paused in December as the state’s law is currently being challenged in court.
Last year, Apple also revamped its App Store age rating system, introducing more granular age categories and expanding the questionnaire developers must complete when submitting apps for review.
Read More: YouTube Launches a New AI Powered Age Verification System in the U.S
The broader push reflects a growing global effort to restrict minors’ access to certain digital services — particularly social media and adult-rated content — as regulators demand stronger safeguards from major tech platforms.
