Are you over 18? Apple begins iPhone age verification in some countries
In some countries, Apple is blocking app downloads if users cannot prove they are over 18. This is apparently checked at the system level.
(Image: Sebastian Trepesch / heise medien)
Apple has apparently started checking the age of customers when accessing content. In some countries, the company is now blocking the download of apps with an age rating of "18+" unless it has been proven by "appropriate methods" that access is by an adult. The App Store performs this check automatically, Apple informed developers. The age gate is effective immediately in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore. The company did not explain what exactly falls under these "appropriate methods".
Credit card or ID scan required
According to individual user reports from Great Britain, Apple is also trying to verify age using credit card data there. "Confirm you are 18+ to update your restrictions" is the translated text from a system dialog that apparently comes from the beta of iOS 26.4. "To change these restrictions, the UK requires you to confirm you are an adult," Apple further explains.
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In the fine print, the company notes that the credit card stored in the account will be used for age verification, or the period for which the user account has existed will be considered. Alternatively, it may "help" to verify age by scanning a credit card. On Reddit, another user reports that they were also able to photograph their ID card as an alternative. How Apple specifically collects and manages this sensitive data remains unclear. Until the age is confirmed, app downloads and in-app purchases are blocked, according to the notice.
App Store operator as youth protection officer
Demands for age verification by major app store operators Apple and Google have become increasingly loud in recent months. Apple has so far rejected this, citing data protection, stating that it does not want to centrally store users' ID data. Age gates are suddenly appearing in several countries, for example for social media or around pornographic content – the latter, however, is not allowed in the App Store at all. Apps that are now classified as 18+ there are mainly slightly disreputable video chat apps and sports betting.
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