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Apple Begins Account-Level Age Verification for U.K. Users

The change signals a shift to device-wide age assurance that UK regulators publicly endorse.

Overview

  • With iOS 26.4 in the UK, Apple now asks account holders to confirm they are 18 or older before using certain services or making account changes.
  • Users can prove age with a linked credit card, a scanned driver’s license or passport, or the length of time their Apple account has been active.
  • Apple will turn on Web Content Filter and Communication Safety for anyone under 18 and for accounts left unverified, and adults who skip verification get the same web blocks.
  • Ofcom praised the move and noted the Online Safety Act does not require OS or app-store checks, with a review of possible expansion due in January 2027.
  • Apple has extended the same requirement to South Korea, reflecting a broader rollout beyond earlier App Store-only age gates.