Apple is overhauling its App Store age rating system to support upcoming expanded parental control tools, introducing new requirements for all developers. In an email sent Thursday, the company announced it is adding more granular age tiers of 13+, 16+, and 18+ to the existing 4+ and 9+ ratings.
Based on developers’ previous questionnaire responses, Apple has already automatically reassigned existing apps to these new categories. The updated ratings are now visible in the latest beta versions of iOS 26 and other Apple operating systems. Developers who disagree with their app’s new automatic rating can change it manually in App Store Connect.
To support the new system, Apple has also added a new set of required questions to its age rating questionnaire, covering topics like in-app controls, violent themes, and medical or wellness content. Developers have until January 31, 2026, to complete the updated questionnaire. After that date, they will be blocked from submitting any app updates until the new questions are answered.
Apple also reminded developers that they must account for all app features, including AI assistants and chatbots, when evaluating their content, and must continue to comply with data privacy regulations like COPPA and GDPR.
