Apple has announced a worldwide rollout of enhanced age-verification tools across its platforms as governments tighten child safety and age-restriction laws. The company will begin blocking downloads of 18+ rated apps in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore starting February 24, 2026, unless users confirm they are adults.
The update also strengthens compliance measures in Utah and Louisiana, where new laws will soon require age category verification and, in certain cases, parental consent for app updates.
TL;DR
- Apple expands Declared Age Range API, now in beta
- 18+ app downloads blocked in Australia, Brazil, Singapore from February 24, 2026
- Utah enforcement begins May 6, 2026, Louisiana on July 1, 2026
- Loot box games in Brazil automatically rated 18+
Apple said the updated Declared Age Range API enables developers to determine a user’s age category without accessing sensitive personal data such as date of birth. The beta version also introduces new signals, including whether age-related regulatory requirements apply to a user and whether the user is required to share their age range.
In addition, developers can now receive signals about the method of age assurance used, giving them clearer compliance visibility.
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“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,” Apple said in a statement.
Starting February 24, 2026, users in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore attempting to download apps rated 18+ will need to confirm they are adults before completing the download. Apple said the App Store will perform the age confirmation automatically, though developers may still need to comply with additional local regulations.
In Brazil, apps that contain loot boxes and are identified as such through Apple’s age rating questionnaire will automatically receive an 18+ classification on the Brazil storefront. Lawmakers in multiple jurisdictions have argued that loot boxes resemble gambling mechanisms because they involve spending money for randomized digital rewards.
In the United States, Utah will begin enforcing its requirements on May 6, 2026, followed by Louisiana on July 1, 2026. Under these rules, developers must use Apple’s APIs to verify age categories and may need to obtain parental or guardian permission before rolling out significant app updates for minors.
Apple has been gradually expanding its age assurance framework over the past year. In 2024, the company introduced more granular age rating bands and added new compliance-focused questions to its app review process. It also previously moved to align with Texas age-verification requirements before pausing some measures as legal challenges unfolded.
