Highlights
- Apple has introduced new age-verification tools across its platforms.
- The upgraded API is now in beta and lets apps identify user age categories and receive signals on how age assurance was verified.
- This will support compliance in regions like Australia, Brazil, Singapore, Utah and Louisiana.
(Photo by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash)
Apple has announced the global rollout of new age-verification tools across its platforms. It is aimed at helping developers comply with a growing number of child safety regulations worldwide. The update also introduces enhancements to the Declared Age Range API, which is now available in beta testing.
The upgraded API enables apps to identify a user’s age category and receive signals about how age assurance has been verified.
“Today we’re providing an update on the tools available for developers to meet their age assurance obligations under upcoming U.S. and regional laws, including in Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Utah, and Louisiana. Updates to the Declared Age Range API are now available in beta for testing,” said Apple.
Regional Requirements for Age Verification
Under the new rules, beginning February 24, 2026, users in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore will be prevented from downloading apps rated 18+ unless they are verified as adults. In Brazil specifically, developers who indicate through the age rating questionnaire that their app contains loot boxes will see their app’s age rating on the Brazil storefront automatically updated to 18+.
In the United States, similar regulations will apply in select states. The requirements will take effect in Utah starting May 6, 2026, and in Louisiana from July 1, 2026.
Developers operating in these states will be required to use Apple’s APIs to confirm users’ age categories and secure parental consent in certain situations before rolling out significant app updates.
Expanded Developer Toolkit
To support compliance with these evolving laws, Apple has introduced an expanded set of developer tools.
These include the Declared Age Range API for delivering age-related signals and managing parental permissions, the Significant Change API under PermissionKit, a new age rating property type within StoreKit, and App Store Server Notifications designed to help developers track compliance requirements more effectively.
“Developers can use the Declared Age Range API to present significant update notifications to adults in these states through the Significant Update Action, now in beta. When releasing a significant update, developers must follow the Human Interface Guidelines and provide users with a meaningful description of the update,” added Apple.
FAQs
Q1. What has Apple announced regarding age verification?
Answer. Apple has rolled out global age-verification tools and expanded the Declared Age Range API (in beta) to help developers comply with child safety regulations.
Q2. Which regions will require age verification for app downloads?
Answer. Starting Feb 24, 2026, users in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore must verify age before downloading 18+ apps. In the US, rules apply in Utah (May 6, 2026) and Louisiana (July 1, 2026).
Q3. What new Apple tools are available for developers?
Answer. Apple introduced an expanded toolkit including the Declared Age Range API, Significant Change API under PermissionKit, a new StoreKit age rating property, and App Store Server Notifications to support compliance