Apple updates App Store age checks to meet new global lawsAustralia, Brazil, Singapore require age checks for 18+ appsNew tools help developers verify age and parental consent
Apple is tightening its approach to age verification on the App Store as new laws across the world begin to take effect. The company has announced a set of updates aimed at helping app developers follow stricter rules around checking users’ ages.
The changes are part of Apple’s broader effort to comply with upcoming regulations in regions like the United States, Brazil, Australia, and Singapore. These laws are pushing tech platforms to ensure that age-restricted content is not easily accessible to younger users.
One of the biggest updates affects users in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore. In these countries, people will no longer be able to download apps rated 18+ unless their age has been verified through what Apple calls “reasonable methods.” In many cases, this verification can be handled automatically by the App Store itself, making the process smoother for users.
At the same time, Apple is making it clear that developers may still need to carry out their own checks, depending on local rules. To support this, the company is expanding its Declared Age Range API, a tool that allows developers to request basic age-related information from users without collecting sensitive personal data.
In the US, the rollout will be more region-specific. Apple says that new Apple account users in Utah, starting May 6, and in Louisiana, from July 1, will have their age categories shared with apps when requested through the API. This means developers in those states will have better access to age-related data to meet local legal requirements.
Apple is also adding new signals to the API to make things clearer for developers. For example, apps will be able to check whether age-related laws apply to a particular user and whether they are required to share their age range. The system can also indicate if parental consent is needed, especially in cases where a child is using an app or when major updates are involved.
Overall, the move shows how platforms like Apple are adapting to a growing wave of global regulations focused on online safety. By building these tools directly into the App Store ecosystem, Apple is trying to make it easier for developers to stay compliant while also creating a safer digital environment for users, especially younger ones.
