Apple App Store age ratings expand to 4+/9+/13+/16+/18+
Analysis
By UA Ledger staff — 1 min read
Apple Developer News of 24 July 2025 updates App Store age ratings with 13+/16+/18+ bands, new questionnaire topics, and a 31 January 2026 response deadline.
On 24 July 2025 Apple published Updated age ratings in App Store Connect. The age-rating system adds 13+, 16+ and 18+ to the existing 4+ and 9+ ratings. Ratings are assigned per country or region and may vary by regional standards. Ratings for apps and games were automatically updated to align with the new system on devices running beta OS 26 family builds.
Questionnaire and deadline
Apple introduced a new set of required age-rating questions covering in-app controls, capabilities, medical or wellness topics, and violent themes. Developers may set a higher age rating than Apple’s calculated rating if their own policy requires a higher minimum user age. Answers must be provided for each app in App Store Connect by 31 January 2026 to avoid interruption when submitting updates.
Operator action
| Field | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Announcement | 2025-07-24 |
| Rating bands | 4+ / 9+ / 13+ / 16+ / 18+ |
| Questionnaire deadline | 2026-01-31 |
| UA implication | Granular ratings change Kids Category and parental gates; delayed questionnaire answers block App Store Connect updates |
Cross-check age ratings values and definitions for descriptor detail.
Research checked 20 September 2026. Local draft; human editorial review pending.
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