Apple is updating its account policies in the United Kingdom, introducing new requirements for users to confirm they are adults. These changes affect everything from account management to safety features, with specific rules depending on whether a user is classified as a child, a teen, or an adult, and arrives with iOS 26.4, released yesterday.
Under the new guidelines, adults in the UK must confirm they are at least 18 years old to access certain services or make specific changes to their accounts. Apple is offering two main ways to verify age: by using a credit card or by scanning a valid ID. For those who already have an account, the company will automatically check for an existing payment method or other eligible data to confirm their adult status.
Features like the Web Code Filter and Communication Safety are now automatically turned on for all children and teenagers. These protections will also stay active for adults who have not yet confirmed their age.
The move comes as UK regulators increase pressure on tech giants to protect younger users. Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, confirmed it “worked closely with Apple” and other services to implement these protections. According to the Financial Times, the regulator says these steps are designed to keep young people away from harmful content and block high-risk sites.
“This will build on the strong foundations of the Online Safety Act, from widespread age checks that keep young people away from harmful content, to blocking high-risk sites and stepping up action against child sexual abuse material,” the UK regulator said.
For families, the rules for young users remain specific. In the UK, anyone under the age of 13 cannot create an Apple Account independently. They must have help and consent from a parent or guardian and are required to be part of a Family Sharing group.
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The rationale for age confirmation might be understandable on certain sites / apps, but for a corporation to have photos of legal private documentation as a necessity to gaining full use of their product? Absolutely not.
Would happily forgo whatever features that might disable to keep control of my documentation.