Apple Restructures App Age Ratings For Social Media Platforms

Apple has introduced a more detailed app age rating system, increasing the number of rating categories and adding a new 16+ bracket. The update could pave the way for more stringent age restrictions on social media apps, but Apple itself is not enforcing such limits—at least for now.

Previously, Apple’s age rating system consisted of four categories: 4+, 9+, 12+, and 17+. The new structure refines the ratings, particularly for teenage users, by adding a 16+ classification. This aligns with proposed regulations in Australia and a number of other countries, where lawmakers (or major portions of the public) have suggested making 16 the minimum age for social media use.

Despite these changes, Apple maintains that app developers remain responsible for rating their own content. As the company stated, “When a developer submits an app to us for distribution, they confirm the types of sensitive content within the app and how frequently it appears. Apple automatically generates an appropriate age rating.”

This update follows ongoing pressure from companies like Meta, which has urged Apple and Google to take a larger role in restricting minors’ access to social apps. In 2023, Meta proposed federal legislation requiring app stores to obtain parental approval before allowing users under 16 to download certain apps. While this would shift responsibility away from individual app developers, Apple has historically resisted direct enforcement of age restrictions.

By expanding its age rating system, Apple may be providing lawmakers and regulatory bodies with a tool to classify certain apps, such as Instagram or Facebook, as 16+ only. However, without external enforcement, the decision to restrict access still lies with governments and app developers themselves.