Apple’s Enhanced Age Verification Tools Safeguard Against Underage App Downloads

Apple Enhances Age Verification Features to Comply with New Regulations

In response to the increasing requirements for age verification in various regions, Apple has introduced new age verification features. The company recently announced updates to its tools that enable developers to meet age assurance obligations under upcoming U.S. and regional laws, including those in Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Utah, and Louisiana.

A significant update includes the restriction in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore, where users are unable to download apps rated 18-plus unless their age has been confirmed through “reasonable methods,” which the App Store can automatically verify. Apple emphasizes that developers may still need to independently confirm their users’ adult status. They can utilize Apple’s Declared Age Range API, introduced last year, to request age range information about users to assist in this process.

Furthermore, Apple announced that starting May 6th for new Apple Account users in Utah and July 1st for those in Louisiana, “age categories will be shared with the developer’s app upon request through the Declared Age Range API.”

Apple also introduced “new signals” for developers via the Declared Age Range API, providing information on whether age-related regulatory requirements apply to the user and if the user is obligated to share their age range. Additionally, the API will notify developers if parental consent is required for significant app updates for a child.