App Store introduces 13+, 16+, and 18+ ratings in overhaul of age classification system

Apple has introduced significant changes to its App Store age rating system, aiming to give users — especially parents and guardians — a more accurate view of content suitability. The update adds more specific age categories, revises developer responsibilities, and strengthens compliance requirements to align with regional regulations and evolving app functionalities.

Under the new framework, age ratings now include three additional categories: 13+, 16+, and 18+, supplementing the previously available 4+ and 9+ ratings. These expanded options allow developers to better represent their app’s content, particularly when it includes sensitive or mature material.

In tandem with the revised rating scale, Apple has added a set of mandatory questions to the age rating questionnaire in App Store Connect. These questions now ask developers to disclose whether their apps include:

• In-app content controls
• Medical or wellness features
• Violent or graphic themes
• Capabilities that may affect content exposure (e.g., AI chatbots)

Responses to these questions will inform Apple’s system-generated age rating, while developers still retain the option to set a higher age limit manually if their internal policies require it.

Additionally, all app ratings have been automatically updated across platforms running beta versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26. Developers can review these updates in the App Information section of App Store Connect.

Apple is emphasizing that apps must evaluate how all features, especially those powered by artificial intelligence or involving user-generated content, impact the presence of sensitive material. The company is also reminding developers of their ongoing obligations under local and international laws, including COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

To avoid any disruption in the submission of updates, developers must complete the updated questionnaire by January 31, 2026.