With Australia’s social media age ban set to take effect on 10 December 2025, Apple has released guidance to assist app developers. These are not new features that Apple has added. They are exisiting features that Apple is subtly encouraging developers to follow.
- The new Declared Age Range API enables developers to request the age range that is most relevant to their use case. They can use this information to modify app behaviour based on this information.
- App descriptions on the App Store must include information to help users determine whether the app is appropriate for them.
- Apple updated the age‑ratings questionnaire required for all apps. The update included adding new questions about in-app controls, such as the presence of age assurance and parental controls.
- Updates to age ratings enable developers to set a higher age rating than the one generated by their responses to the age ratings questionnaire in App Store Connect.
- Developers can include an Age Suitability URL that links to a website with details about the apps age-related content. When enabled, this URL appears on the App Store product page under the age ratings details section. Developers can use this URL to provide region-specific information and requirements, such as the prohibition in Australia of people under 16 having a social media account.
Some countries are looking at placing restrictions on app access through apps stores. It seems that Apple is preparing its App Store in case it gets caught up in different laws and rules.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.