Apple will block users in Australia, Brazil and Singapore from downloading 18+ apps unless they confirm they are adults.
The change started on February 24, 2026, as the company also expanded its age-verification tools for developers in Brazil and in two U.S. states, Utah and Louisiana.
The update affects how age categories are shared between users and app developers. Apple said it is rolling out new features through its Declared Age Range API, which is now available in beta.
The tool allows developers to request a user’s age category without accessing personal data such as a date of birth.
In Brazil, developers can use the updated API to obtain a user’s age category. The age category will only be shared if the user, or a parent or guardian where relevant, agrees, while API will also return a signal from the user’s device about the method of age assurance.
Apple confirmed that, from February 24, 2026, it will block downloads of apps rated 18+ in Australia, Brazil and Singapore unless users are confirmed to be adults through reasonable methods.
The App Store will carry out that confirmation automatically. However, Apple noted that developers may still have separate legal duties to verify users under local law.
In Brazil, developers who identify their apps as containing loot boxes through Apple’s age rating questionnaire will see their app ratings updated to 18+ on the Brazil storefront. Lawmakers in the country have spoken about gambling-like features in games.
In the United States, new regulations will take effect in two states. For users with new Apple accounts in Utah from 6 May 2026, and in Louisiana from 1 July 2026, age categories will be shared with developers’ apps when requested through the Declared Age Range API.
Apple said it has expanded its existing tools to help developers meet legal requirements in both states.
These tools include the Declared Age Range API, the Significant Change API under PermissionKit, a new age rating property type in StoreKit, and App Store Server Notifications.
Apple said: “New signals are now available through the Declared Age Range API, including whether age-related regulatory requirements apply to the user and if the user is required to share their age range.
“The API will also let you know if you need to get a parent or guardian’s permission for significant app updates for a child.”
Developers can use the API to present important update notifications to adults in Utah and Louisiana through what Apple calls the Significant Update Action, which remains in beta.
When releasing a significant update, developers must follow Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines and provide a clear description of the changes.
Apple previously worked to meet similar age-assurance requirements in Texas in October last year. It later paused parts of that plan in December after the state law faced a court challenge.
Governments in several countries have introduced stricter age-assurance rules aimed at limiting minors’ access to certain digital services. Apple’s latest changes adjust how its platforms, including iOS, iPadOS and macOS, handle age ratings, permissions and account signals in response to those laws.
For developers, the changes mean closer attention to local regulations. In Brazil, game makers that include loot boxes must now accept an automatic 18+ rating.
In Australia, Brazil and Singapore, 18+ apps will not download until adult status is confirmed. In Utah and Louisiana, age categories will flow directly to apps when requested, provided the user meets the new account conditions.
Apple said the updated tools are designed to give developers a way to meet legal obligations without collecting sensitive personal information.
