Archive · 28 Jul 2025
Apple Updates App Store Age Ratings, Adds New Categories
Apple is making the App Store safer for kids and teens.
They're adding new age ratings like 13+, 16+, and 18+ to help parents know what's in apps.
Developers will have to answer questions about their apps, like if there's violence or in-app purchases.
Apple will then give the app an age rating.
These ratings will also change based on where you live, to follow local rules.
If developers don't update their apps with these new ratings by January 31, 2026, their apps won't be updated anymore.
Apple is updating the App Store's age rating system.
New categories include 13+, 16+, and 18+ ratings.
Developers must complete a questionnaire for their apps.
Ratings will vary by region, aligning with local guidelines.
The deadline for developers to update is January 31, 2026.
- Who
- Apple is updating the App Store for developers and users.
- What
- Apple is updating its App Store age rating system.
- When
- Announced on Thursday alongside the public beta rollout of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS 26. Developers have until January 31, 2026, to comply.
- Where
- App Store
- Why
- To help users and parents understand the nature of downloaded content and align with regional content guidelines.
Users
No opposing side mentioned
Increased Safety
Users
Safer content for children and teens.
No opposing side mentioned
No opposing views found in the article.
- New Ratings
- 13+, 16+, 18+
- Existing Ratings
- 4+, 9+
- Developer Action
- Complete new questionnaire
- Deadline
- January 31, 2026
- Platforms Affected
- iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, visionOS 26