Apple is updating its developer tools to help apps comply with evolving global age assurance laws, specifically targeting countries such as Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Utah and Louisiana. At the core of this update, is the expansion of the Declared Age Range API, which allows developers to receive a user’s age category and verification signals once consent is provided by the user or a legal guardian.
Regional restrictions for 18+ apps
Starting February 24, 2026, Apple will automatically block users in Australia, Brazil and Singapore from downloading apps rated as 18+ unless they have been verified to be adults. While Apple handles the initial confirmation, the Declared Age Range API is provided so developers can meet their own verification guidelines.
Brazil Specific Updates
For the Brazilian market, any app that features loot box features(where a user pays money to obtain randomized consumable items in video games) will automatically receive an 18+ rating.
US State Compliance
New tools are launching for Utah and Louisiana. These updates include the Significant Change API, which helps developers notify parents or guardians if a significant app update requires new permissions for the child. When releasing a significant update, developers have to comply with Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines and provide users with a meaningful update the changes.
Enhanced API Signals
The API now provides more granular data such as whether specific regional regulations apply to a user and whether a user is legally required to share their age range.
Apple’s moves coincides with regulators demands for more control over the content that minors can access. Regional digital safety laws have the effect of protecting minors against various harms. For instance, the laws can reduce minors exposure to self harm and extremist content, prevent unsolicited contact from adult strangers, protect minors from exploitative commercial manipulation, keep minors away from harmful content such as gambling and pornography and forces companies to prove that their safety systems actually work. The move signals a transition towards a web that is safer and better for mental health.