Apple Enforces New Age Verification API Across Australia, Brazil, Singapore, and the US.

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Apple Enforces New Age Verification API Across Australia, Brazil, Singapore, and the US.
Apple Implements Strict Age Verification in Global Markets: New API Requirements for Developers

Apple has officially notified developers of a significant policy update regarding age verification for apps distributed in Australia, Brazil, Singapore, and the United States (specifically Utah and Louisiana). This move is designed to comply with evolving regional safety laws and introduces the Declared Age Range API, allowing developers to seamlessly verify the age group of their users.

Global Rollout and 18+ Restrictions

Starting February 24, 2026, all apps rated 18+ in Australia, Singapore, and Brazil must verify a user’s age before the download can proceed. While the App Store already provides an initial layer of verification, developers now have the option and in some cases, the obligation—to implement secondary checks through the new API.

Brazil’s Crackdown on Loot Boxes

In a notable regional twist, Brazil has introduced a zero-tolerance policy for gambling-like mechanics. Any app featuring Loot Boxes or similar randomized rewards will be automatically re-rated to 18+, regardless of its previous rating or content.

The U.S. Context: Utah and Louisiana

Effective within 2026, new Apple accounts registered in Utah and Louisiana will face mandatory age verification. For developers, this means integrating the API to support Parental Control systems, which may require explicit parental approval before a minor can access certain apps.

The key to the Declared Age Range API is that Apple doesn't send developers their "actual date of birth," but rather an age range. This is to comply with privacy laws (such as GDPR or CCPA), allowing developers to prove their age without storing sensitive data on their own servers.

Brazil's decision could be the start of a global trend, as many European and Asian countries are currently considering loot boxes as a form of gambling. Apple's preparation indicates they are looking ahead to enforcing this rule in other countries in the future.

The Social Media Regulation Act in Utah is one of the strictest in the US. Apple's opening up this API helps developers avoid the costly and risky practice of building their own age verification systems.

For game and social media app developers, a higher age verification barrier might lead to decreased downloads in the short term (friction in user acquisition), but in the long term, it reduces the risk of lawsuits and hefty fines from government agencies. 

 

[Rumor] Apple touch-screen MacBook Pro is about to feature Dynamic Island.

 

Source: Apple

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