Apple tightens age checks for 18+ apps in three countries by 2026
Apple has introduced stricter age verification rules for 18+ apps in three countries. From 25 February 2026, users in Brazil, Australia, and Singapore will need to confirm their age before downloading such apps. The move follows new legal requirements in these regions while aiming to protect user privacy.
The company's updated tools also include features for parental oversight and compliance checks. Investors have responded positively, with Apple's stock price rising slightly after the announcement.
The changes come as Brazil, Australia, and Singapore enforce official age-verification laws for adult content in app stores. Apple's system will block downloads of 18+ apps unless users pass an age check. Instead of requesting exact birthdates, the company uses broader age ranges to maintain privacy while meeting legal standards.
In the U.S., stricter rules in states like Utah and Louisiana now impose fines on developers for non-compliance. Violations could cost up to $1,000 per offence in Utah and $10,000 in Louisiana. Apple's new Significant Change API adds another layer by requiring parental re-approval for major account or permission updates.
The company has also integrated its age-check tools with Family Sharing and Child Accounts. Parents can now monitor and control app access more easily. These updates reflect the growing complexity of global regulations, forcing developers to adapt to varying regional laws.
Apple's latest measures address both legal demands and privacy concerns. The age-range system and parental controls aim to balance compliance with user protection. Developers must now navigate stricter rules, including potential fines and repeated consent requirements in different markets.
Read also:
- India's Agriculture Minister Reviews Sector Progress Amid Heavy Rains, Crop Areas Up
- Sleep Maxxing Trends and Tips: New Zealanders Seek Better Rest
- Over 1.7M in Baden-Württemberg at Poverty Risk, Emmendingen's Housing Crisis Urgent
- Cyprus, Kuwait Strengthen Strategic Partnership with Upcoming Ministerial Meeting
