Apple Updates App Store Age Ratings in Australia and Vietnam: What Developers Need to Know

Apple has announced upcoming changes to App Store age ratings in Australia and Vietnam, scheduled to take effect on June 18, 2026. These regulatory adjustments highlight the increasing global focus on digital safety for minors and impact how apps are classified and distributed in these markets.

Understanding the Regulatory Landscape

Over the past year, numerous countries have introduced new regulations affecting how apps, features, and entire app categories are made available to minors. This regulatory shift isn't entirely new, but several nations and U.S. states have recently passed laws and guidelines specifically targeting online safety for minors, particularly concerning social media, mental health, and potentially harmful gaming practices.

Apple has been actively updating its age rating system across the App Store to accommodate these changes. The company introduced a more granular rating system last year and implemented new age assurance tools that can block users from downloading 18+ apps in certain regions unless they can confirm they are adults.

Changes for Vietnam App Store

In Vietnam, Apple is implementing region-specific age ratings to align with Article 38 of Vietnam Decree 147. Starting June 18, 2026, all apps available on the App Store in Vietnam will receive one of four possible age ratings:

• 00+ (all ages)
• 12+
• 16+
• 18+

These ratings will appear on app product pages in Vietnam and will be determined based on developers' responses to the age rating questionnaire in App Store Connect. Developers should note that additional details about age rating values will become available in App Store Connect and App Store Connect Help on June 18.

Changes for Australia App Store

The Australian App Store will see different adjustments to comply with Australia's guidelines for the classification of computer games. Most notably, the 15+ age rating will no longer be available on the Australia App Store.

Apps currently rated 15+ with specific content descriptors will automatically be updated to 16+. These content descriptors include:

• Unrestricted web access
• Frequent medical or treatment information
• Loot boxes

Apple reminds developers that the new rating will appear on their app's product page in Australia, and they should ensure their responses to the age rating questionnaire in App Store Connect accurately reflect their app's content.

Developer Impact and Recommendations

For developers with apps in these markets, these changes require attention:

1. Review age ratings: Developers should review their current age ratings and content descriptors to ensure compliance with the new requirements.

2. Update App Store Connect: Ensure accurate responses to the age rating questionnaire in App Store Connect before June 18.

3. Consider content adjustments: For apps affected by the 15+ to 16+ change in Australia, developers might want to consider whether their content truly requires this higher rating or if adjustments could allow for a lower classification.

4. Regional-specific considerations: Developers with global apps should be aware that their app may display different age ratings in different regions based on local regulations.

Broader Context and Future Implications

These changes are part of a broader trend toward increased regulation of digital content and platforms. As governments worldwide grapple with how to protect minors in digital spaces, we can expect similar adjustments in other markets.

Apple's approach of implementing region-specific requirements rather than a global standard reflects the complexity of navigating varying international regulations. For developers, this means staying informed about local requirements in each market where they distribute their applications.

Developers can find more information about these changes in Apple's Developer announcement and App Store Connect Help.