Apple has unveiled a series of enhancements aimed at simplifying the establishment of Child Accounts while also updating its parental control features. The technology giant is focused on reducing the amount of data gathered by developers when verifying the age of app users. To aid in this effort, Apple plans to introduce new age categories for app ratings, ensuring a more specific classification for applications tailored for younger audiences. Additionally, the company will require developers to disclose whether their apps contain user-generated content, advertisements, or parental control options.
New Declared Age Range API to Enhance Privacy in App Usage
In a recently published document, Apple detailed its intentions to make setting up Child Accounts easier for children under 13 years old. The company confirmed that enhanced safety settings will be activated by default for these accounts unless parents complete the setup process themselves.
To further protect user information, Apple will launch a Declared Age Range API aimed at allowing developers to provide age-suitable content while safeguarding user privacy. This new API permits parents to share an “age range” for their children instead of divulging specific birth dates.
Apple noted that only a limited number of developers will be permitted to continue collecting sensitive identifiers such as government-issued IDs or other personal data to meet local compliance requirements.
Furthermore, parents will have the option to authorize App Store usage through authentication methods like Face ID or Touch ID, eliminating the need for credit card details for their younger users with Child Accounts. Parents will also be empowered to modify the age range settings for their children, consequently allowing or restricting access to various apps or features within the App Store.
In an effort to assist developers in appropriately categorizing their apps, Apple plans to introduce additional age ratings. By the end of this year, developers will be able to designate their apps with age thresholds of 13+, 16+, or 18+, expanding the available control mechanisms. Currently, Apple utilizes age ratings of 4+, 9+, 12+, and 17+, which limit access for younger users to age-inappropriate content.
In parallel, developers will be mandated to inform users—likely through the App Store—about whether their applications offer features such as advertisements, user-generated content, or parental controls. Apple also indicated that it will accommodate different regional guidelines in this initiative.
