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Apple has announced a major update to its App Store age rating system, introducing new 13+, 16+, and 18+ categories for apps and games. This change, revealed alongside the public beta rollout of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26, aims to help users and parents make informed decisions about content accessibility.
The updated App Store age ratings provide more granular classifications, expanding beyond the previous 4+ and 9+ options. According to Apple, this enhanced age classification system ensures that app content is clearly categorized based on violence, interactive elements, wellness features, AI-powered tools, and in-app purchases.
In addition to improving transparency for users, the system now incorporates region-specific ratings, aligning with local content suitability guidelines. Apple confirmed that the age rating standards will vary across countries to meet local regulatory requirements, including those set by the United States and the European Union.
For developers, Apple has introduced a mandatory new questionnaire for every app listed on the App Store. This form requires developers to provide detailed information about their app’s content, enabling Apple to assign the most appropriate rating. Developers also have the option to voluntarily select a stricter rating if they choose.
Apple emphasized that this overhaul reflects its commitment to user safety, parental control, and compliance with global digital regulations. These new App Store age ratings are part of the company’s broader strategy to create a safer digital ecosystem for children, teens, and adults while maintaining developer accountability.
The revised ratings will be visible across all upcoming Apple platforms, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26, ensuring consistency across devices.
With this move, Apple continues to set a high standard for app content moderation, making the App Store safer for families and more transparent for global users while empowering developers to comply with age-appropriate content guidelines effectively.
The updated App Store age ratings provide more granular classifications, expanding beyond the previous 4+ and 9+ options. According to Apple, this enhanced age classification system ensures that app content is clearly categorized based on violence, interactive elements, wellness features, AI-powered tools, and in-app purchases.
In addition to improving transparency for users, the system now incorporates region-specific ratings, aligning with local content suitability guidelines. Apple confirmed that the age rating standards will vary across countries to meet local regulatory requirements, including those set by the United States and the European Union.
For developers, Apple has introduced a mandatory new questionnaire for every app listed on the App Store. This form requires developers to provide detailed information about their app’s content, enabling Apple to assign the most appropriate rating. Developers also have the option to voluntarily select a stricter rating if they choose.
Apple emphasized that this overhaul reflects its commitment to user safety, parental control, and compliance with global digital regulations. These new App Store age ratings are part of the company’s broader strategy to create a safer digital ecosystem for children, teens, and adults while maintaining developer accountability.
The revised ratings will be visible across all upcoming Apple platforms, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26, ensuring consistency across devices.
With this move, Apple continues to set a high standard for app content moderation, making the App Store safer for families and more transparent for global users while empowering developers to comply with age-appropriate content guidelines effectively.
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