Overview
- Apple, which released iOS and iPadOS 26.4 on Tuesday, now asks UK account holders to confirm they are 18 to use some services and features.
- People can verify by scanning a driver’s license or passport, using a credit card, or letting Apple confirm adult status from an existing payment method or long‑held account.
- Those who do not verify, along with minors, have web content blocks and nude‑image warnings switched on and may lose access to some app downloads and features.
- The UK regulator praised the change as meeting Online Safety Act goals even though the law does not cover app stores or operating systems, with a review on expanding it due in January 2027.
- Early reaction mixes privacy worries and talk of workarounds with Politico reporting the same checks have also gone live in South Korea.