iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 have a new feature for the UK – age verification. The UK Office of Communications (Ofcom) recently ordered social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat), video sharing sites (YouTube, TikTok) and even games (Roblox) to implement age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act from 2023.
And now Apple has also added age verification. If you use an Apple device in the UK, you may find that some services and features are restricted in version 26.4. You will need to verify that you are 18 years of age or older by using a credit card or scanning your ID. Apple will try to verify you automatically if possible (for example if you already have a credit card linked to your account). You can find more details on the process here.
For those who have not verified their age – or are under 18 – web content filters and communication security features will be automatically enabled.
Age verification completed • Without it, you cannot download some apps (Source 1 • Source 2)
Interestingly, Politico writes that the Online Security Act does not apply to operating systems or app stores. However, Ofcom is exploring whether it should extend the law to include them – a report on that will be published in January 2027.
Ofcom acknowledged that age verification is not required for iOS or the App Store, but it certainly did not oppose Apple’s pre-emptive move. in response to EngadgetIt wrote:
“Apple’s decision that the UK will be one of the first countries in the world to get new child protection protections on devices is a real win for children and families. Our rules are flexible and designed to encourage innovation, particularly in age assurance. We’ve worked closely with Apple and other services to ensure they can be applied in a variety of contexts to ensure users’ safety. It will build on the strong foundation of the Online Safety Act, ranging from comprehensive age checks to youth This includes blocking high-risk sites and taking action against child sexual exploitation material.”
You can find more details about the age requirements to manage an Apple account in the UK here. And if you’re not in the UK, you should check the region-specific rules for child accounts. For example, in Brazil, anyone under the age of 18 must use a child account. In other regions it is a requirement for anyone under the age of 13, 14, 15 or 16 (this varies greatly even within the EU). Child accounts need to be part of the Family Sharing group.