Apple has revamped its App Store age ratings with new 13+, 16+, and 18+ categories, giving parents better tools and developers stricter content rules, as noted by TechCrunch.
The new system, which is already live for developers testing Apple’s latest software, is rolling out across several platforms including iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11, tvOS 18, and visionOS 2.
App Store’s existing 12+ and 17+ labels are being phased out in favor of three new ratings: 13+, 16+, and 18+. These changes are part of a broader effort to provide users, especially parents and younger audiences, with more accurate guidance when choosing apps.
Developers do not need to take immediate action if they’ve already filled out Apple’s required content questionnaire, as their apps have automatically been assigned new ratings based on existing answers. However, Apple is requiring all developers to submit responses to a newly revised questionnaire that includes updated prompts about app content.
To remain compliant, developers must complete this new questionnaire by January 2026. Apps that fail to meet the deadline will be blocked from being updated or submitted until the necessary information is provided. This process allows Apple to more accurately assign age ratings based on specific criteria.
These rating changes are also tied to new App Store disclosures designed to give users clearer insight into how apps work. Listings now show whether an app offers features like user-to-user communication, content sharing, or parental controls.
For parents using Family Sharing, these new age ratings will also influence app visibility for child accounts. If a child’s age does not meet the required threshold for a specific app, that app will no longer be shown in search results or editorial placements like Today, Games, or Apps tabs.
This update is part of the changes expected to go live publicly in September 2025 when the final versions of Apple’s new operating systems are released.
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