Apple Overhauls App Store Age Ratings With New Categories and Developer Rules

Apple is revamping its App Store age rating system with a more detailed scale and stricter developer requirements, aiming to give parents and users greater transparency about app content. The update rolls out with the betas of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26.

New Age Rating Categories

Previously, apps were labeled 4+ or 9+, with broader age guidance beyond that. Now, Apple is introducing a more granular system:

• 4+

• 9+

• 13+ (new)

• 16+ (new)

• 18+ (new)

Apple has automatically updated all existing apps to fit the new ratings, so users will see the changes reflected as soon as they install the latest beta or stable updates later this year.

What Developers Need to Know

A new questionnaire in App Store Connect is now mandatory. It covers:

• Sensitive content topics (medical, violence, etc.)

• User controls for managing content

• AI features (like chatbots or generative assistants) and their impact on content sensitivity

Apple has also given developers a new option to set a higher minimum age rating based on their own policies—an important addition for apps that handle mature themes or regulated content.

Deadline:
Developers have until January 31, 2026, to complete the new forms. Missing this deadline may delay future app updates.

Why This Matters

This move fits into Apple’s broader push for enhanced parental controls and transparency, which also includes:

• New family safety features introduced at WWDC

• Accessibility Nutrition Labels (launched in May)

Apple also reminded developers that compliance with App Review Guidelines and regulations like COPPA and GDPR remains mandatory.

Bottom Line: More clarity for parents, stronger compliance requirements for developers, and a big step toward safer app experiences.