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Apple Overhauls App Store Age Ratings With Three Granular Tiers

Developers face a January 31, 2026 deadline to complete an expanded content survey now tied to app update access across iOS 26 betas.

Apple Adds New App Store Age Ratings: 13+, 16+, and 18+
Apple's App Store is getting stricter
App developers must provide detailed age rating information
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Overview

  • Apple has added 13+, 16+ and 18+ tiers to the App Store, removing the 12+ and 17+ categories.
  • The company has automatically reassigned age ratings for all existing apps based on developers’ previous questionnaire responses.
  • A new App Store Connect survey requires developers to disclose in-app controls, capabilities, medical or wellness topics and violent themes.
  • Developers who do not finish the updated questionnaire by January 31, 2026 will have their app updates blocked.
  • The changes are live in iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and other betas and align ratings with region-specific standards and child safety initiatives.