Apple Expands Age Assurance Tools as New App Store Restrictions Roll Out

Apple is expanding its age assurance tools for developers across multiple regions as new App Store restrictions for 18+ apps take effect. The company announced updates to its Declared Age Range API and new compliance requirements for developers in Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Utah, and Louisiana, marking a significant shift in how age-restricted content is managed on the platform.

Starting today, users in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore will face new restrictions when attempting to download apps rated 18+. According to Apple's Developer blog, these users will be blocked from downloading such apps unless they have been confirmed to be adults through reasonable methods. The App Store will perform this age verification check automatically, but developers may also need to confirm that their users are adults, with the updated Declared Age Range API providing helpful age signals.

The Declared Age Range API, now available in beta for testing, represents Apple's primary tool for helping developers meet their age assurance obligations under upcoming U.S. and regional laws. This API allows developers to obtain age group information when users (or their parents or guardians, where applicable) agree to share it.

Brazil-specific changes are particularly noteworthy. Any app that has declared it contains loot boxes in its age rating questionnaire will be automatically updated to an 18+ rating. Additionally, developers using the Declared Age Range API in Brazil will be able to obtain a user's age group when the user or their parent/guardian agrees to share this information. These changes reflect Brazil's increasingly strict approach to digital content regulation and in-app purchases.

For U.S. states, the rollout follows a phased approach. Utah will require these age verification measures for new Apple Accounts starting May 6, while Louisiana follows on July 1. In both states, age categories will be shared with developers when requested through the Declared Age Range API. Apple has expanded several tools to help developers meet compliance obligations for both states, with the API assisting developers in identifying when age-related regulatory requirements apply, as well as when parental approval is required for significant updates.

The timing of these changes is significant, as they coincide with growing global concerns about children's online safety and the impact of digital content on young users. Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations around age verification and content restrictions, and Apple's updates position the company to help developers navigate this complex regulatory landscape.

For developers, these changes mean additional implementation work and potential impacts on user acquisition and retention. Apps that previously had younger audiences may find themselves restricted in certain markets, while developers of 18+ content will need to ensure their age verification systems are robust and compliant with local regulations.

The expansion of age assurance tools also raises questions about privacy and data collection. While Apple emphasizes that age verification can be performed through reasonable methods, developers will need to balance compliance requirements with user privacy concerns and data protection regulations like GDPR.

Apple's approach appears to be creating a standardized framework for age verification across different jurisdictions, which could simplify compliance for developers operating in multiple markets. However, the varying implementation dates and specific requirements for each region mean that developers will need to stay informed about the particular regulations affecting their apps in each market.

To learn more about these changes and access the updated tools, developers can visit Apple's Developer website. The company has also provided documentation and support resources to help developers implement the necessary changes before the various compliance deadlines take effect.

As digital content regulation continues to evolve globally, Apple's age assurance tools represent an important step in helping developers navigate increasingly complex compliance requirements while maintaining a safe environment for users of all ages.