Apple’s App Store age score system is getting an overhaul, the corporate introduced on Thursday. Users will quickly see extra granular age scores for apps and video games on the App Store, as soon as builders undertake the brand new scores. The modifications have been unveiled on the identical day that the iPhone maker launched public beta variations of its upcoming working system updates together with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS. Apple says builders should undertake the scores for his or her apps by the top of January 2026.
Apple Says it Will Use Region-Specific Age Ratings
According to an replace posted on the Apple Developer weblog, the corporate has added 13+, 16+, and 18+ scores for apps on the App Store, which have joined the present 4+ and 9+ age scores. These further classes will enable builders to indicate customers (together with mother and father) a greater concept about apps they’re downloading on their units.
While Apple’s website lists the 5 age scores listed above, the corporate says that it’s going to assign scores primarily based on totally different international locations and areas, relying on various “suitability standards” around the globe, and particulars can be found on the firm’s developer assist web site. Developers should reply a set of questions for every app that’s out there on the App Store, and the scores for his or her apps will likely be assigned primarily based on their responses.
These questions are associated to an app’s in-app controls, app options, content material that features violent themes, and whether or not it covers medical or wellness matters. However, builders may set the next age score manually, if the corporate assigns a decrease score.
Apple says that builders should additionally reply the questionnaire primarily based on how varied options constructed into their app operate, together with ones that supply AI options. The firm additionally says apps should adjust to laws from varied areas, such because the US and the EU.
The new scores will likely be displayed iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26. In order to present builders time to finish the questionnaire for every app, Apple has set a deadline of January 31, 2026, after which they will not be capable of submit app updates for his or her apps.
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