Apple has added the age verification feature in updates to iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 for users in the United Kingdom, in line with the instructions of the British Communications Authority Ofcom and in implementation of the Internet Safety Act 2023.
The feature requires the user to prove they are 18 or older via a credit card or ID scan, with Apple attempting to verify automatically when possible.
If verification is not verified or the user is under 18, content filtering and communication safety features will automatically be turned on. Although the law does not cover operating systems or app stores, Ofcom praised Apple’s move as a strengthening of protection for children and families, noting that its rules are flexible and encourage innovation in age verification.
Requirements for children’s accounts vary in other countries; Such as Brazil, which requires all users under 18 to create a children’s account, while in Europe, age groups vary by country.
