The App Store age gate arrives: Apple blocks 18+ apps in key markets

Apple says that starting February 24, 2026, users in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore will be blocked from downloading apps rated 18+ unless they’ve been confirmed as adults using “reasonable methods.” Apple adds that the App Store will perform the adult confirmation automatically, though developers may still have separate legal obligations to verify age themselves.

New “Declared Age Range” signals for developers

Apple is expanding its Declared Age Range API (now available in beta for testing, per Apple) to help developers meet “age assurance” requirements across several jurisdictions. The company says the API can provide a helpful age signal without requiring an exact birthdate.

Apple also says that in Brazil, developers can use the updated API to obtain a user’s age category, which is shared only when the user (or a parent/guardian, where relevant) agrees. The API can also return a signal about the method of age assurance.

Utah and Louisiana timelines

For new Apple Account users:

• Utah: age categories will be shareable with apps as of May 6, 2026
• Louisiana: age categories will be shareable with apps as of July 1, 2026

Apple says these age categories will be shared when requested via the Declared Age Range API.

“Significant update” permissions and other compliance tools

Apple says its previously announced toolset has been expanded for Utah and Louisiana, including:

• Declared Age Range API
• Significant Change API (PermissionKit)
• New age rating property type in StoreKit

App Store Server Notifications

Apple also says new signals are now available via the Declared Age Range API, including whether age-related regulatory requirements apply, whether the user is required to share an age range, and whether a parent/guardian permission is needed for “significant” updates affecting a child.

Brazil-specific note on loot boxes

Apple adds that for developers distributing in Brazil, if an app is identified as containing loot boxes in the age-rating questionnaire, its Brazil storefront age rating will be updated to 18+.