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.

A new study has revealed that Utah is the most likely state to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the US.

The research carried out by AI-driven website builder YACSS examined Google Keywords data of search terms frequently used by people interested in Artificial Intelligence (AI) over the past 12 months.

These terms were combined to find each state’s average monthly search volume for AI-related terms per 100,000 people and each state’s most common uses.  

Utah is the state most likely to use AI, with 202.9 searches per 100,000 people for Artificial Intelligence and AI-related tools. These tools are used the most for art and, secondly, for voice generator (generates human voices for games/films). The third most popular use for AI in Utah is for music, animation, and resume writing.

Oregon is the second most AI-interested state, with 192.2 searches per 100,000 people for AI and AI-related tools.

Oregon uses Artificial Intelligence the most for art, then voice generator, thirdly music, then animation, and finally, resume writing.

Washington is the third state most likely to use AI for art the most, followed by voice generator, music, animation and resume writing. Washington has an average of 187 searches per 100,000 people for AI and AI-related tools per month.

The fourth most AI-interested state is Vermont. Vermont uses AI the most for art, voice generator, music, text-to-video and animation. Searches for AI and AI-related terms average 173.08 per 100,000 people per month.   

Colorado is the fifth state most interested in AI, with an average of 170.03 searches for AI and AI-powered tools per month per 100,000 people. The state uses AI the most for art, followed by voice generator, music, animation and resume writing.

The sixth most AI-interested state is Alaska, with its main uses being for art, voice generator, music, and animation, followed by text to video. Its monthly searches for Artificial Intelligence and AI-powered tools average 169.03 per 100,000 people per month.

New Hampshire uses AI the most for art, voice generator, music, animation, and text-to-video. Searches for AI and AI-powered tools average 164.13 per 100,000 people per month, ranking the state seventh.

Idaho is the eighth state most likely to use AI, with searches for AI and AI-powered tools averaging 159.87 per 100,000 people, per month. The state uses AI the most for art, voice generator, music, animation, and, finally, resume writing.

Wyoming is the ninth most AI-interested state, with an average of 158.24 searches for AI and AI-powered tools per month per 100,000 people. The state uses AI the most for art, music and voice generator, followed by marketing and animation.

The tenth state most likely to use AI is Maine, which uses it the most for art, voice generator, music, marketing and animation. Monthly searches for AI and AI-powered tools average 156.64 per 100,00 people.

Overall, the most common use of Artificial Intelligence in the US is for art. Its second most popular use is voice generator, followed by music, then animation.

A spokesperson for YACSS, Luca Hogan, commented on the findings:

“The use of Artificial Intelligence in the US is on the rise, and it’s clear to see why.

It is frequently used to reduce time spent on tedious tasks as well as provide users with endless creative possibilities, and this is all available at the touch of a button. The most recent surge in popularity of ChatGPT has caused millions of Americans to use the tool in everyday life, introducing them to AI.

Artificial Intelligence is excellent for improving accuracy and precision while reducing common errors in writing. As well as introducing a whole industry of new jobs alongside aiding huge sectors such as education, healthcare, finance, marketing, cybersecurity and many more.”