Apple has changed its approach to content labeling in the App Store, adding new age ratings and revising developer requirements for sensitive content. This should strengthen the protection of children and teens, as well as make the recommendation system more accurate.
Apple has changed its approach to content labeling in the App Store, adding new age ratings and revising developer requirements for sensitive content. This should strengthen the protection of children and teens, as well as make the recommendation system more accurate.
Apple has expanded its ratings system, introducing categories 13+, 16+ and 18+ instead of the previous 12+ and 17+, TechCrunch reports. The company has also updated its requirements for developers. They now have to answer new questions about sensitive topics, app features and control methods.
According to the update, Apple has automatically reclassified all apps and games in the App Store according to the new gradation. It is already in effect in beta versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26. A general release for all users is expected in September 2025.
Developers will now be required to answer additional questions in App Store Connect, including whether the app contains sensitive content, medical topics, gaming features, and control mechanics. Based on this information, Apple will automatically select a recommended age rating, which the developer can review and change if necessary.
We’ve also changed how apps’ ratings affect their visibility: apps with high age restrictions won’t appear in Today, Games, or Apps if your child has age restrictions set on their device. This is especially important for parents using Family Sharing.
As part of an overall push to improve child safety, Apple has simplified account setup for children. In particular, the company is making it easier for parents to specify a child’s age, and this information will be shared with developers to tailor content. The first changes to the child account system appeared in the public beta of iOS 18.4.
The expanded rating system allows for more precise labeling of the level of content contained in apps, taking into account violence, mature themes or medical advice. Apple says that these innovations are intended to provide greater transparency and ensure that content meets user expectations.
Previously, Apple used only four ratings: 4+, 9+, 12+, and 17+. The new labeling is part of a broader initiative to strengthen child protection in the Apple ecosystem.
With the number of apps on the App Store constantly growing, improving the rating system seems like a logical step towards a more responsible digital environment.
Previously, we wrote about how IT company Devlight formed a rating of Ukrainian applications by analyzing App Store and Google Play data using the Asolytics analytical platform.
