Apple has recently announced a comprehensive upgrade to its App Store age rating system, introducing three new age categories: 13+, 16+, and 18+, replacing the previous ratings of 12+ and 17+. This move aims to provide parents with more precise age rating controls, ensuring compliance with regional standards.
According to Apple, all existing apps and games will automatically receive new age ratings. Developers must complete a brand new rating questionnaire by January 31, 2026, or they will be unable to submit app updates on App Store Connect.
This new age rating system comprises five levels: it retains the existing 4+ and 9+ classifications while introducing brand new 13+, 16+, and 18+ categories. The updated system is graded according to the suitability standards of various countries or regions, offering higher regional adaptability. Additionally, it eliminates the 12+ and 17+ categories, providing clearer age distinctions.
To improve the accuracy of app ratings, Apple will introduce a new mandatory questionnaire. This will cover in-app control features, characteristics, medical or health topics, as well as violent content within the app. Developer responses will help Apple calculate ratings and provide age-appropriate experiences.
Developers can customize the age requirements based on the specific content characteristics of their applications. If the minimum user age set by policy exceeds Apple’s assigned rating, developers can set a higher rating after answering the age rating questions, allowing for flexible age control. As for whether the 18+ rating will lead to more adult content, Apple has not yet responded.
Additionally, AI features will also be included in the evaluation criteria. Apple specifically warns developers to consider the impact of all app functionalities on the frequency of sensitive content, including AI assistants and chatbots, to ensure that applications receive appropriate age ratings.
Currently, the beta version of the age rating system has been launched in the test versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26, with the public set to experience the new rating system in the upcoming official release.
