Apple rolling out age checks for UK iPhone users in iOS 26.4 beta, testers report

Meanwhile Discord has delayed a planned age assurance rollout

Apple has introduced age verification checks for users in the UK as part of its latest iOS 26.4 beta.

Screenshots shared online show that, following installation of the beta software, users are prompted to confirm that they are over 18.

Apple warns that those who do not verify their age "will not be able to download and purchase apps or make in-app purchases," according to people who have tested the beta.

Messages displayed on devices suggest that Apple may automatically confirm a user's age using the payment method linked to their Apple ID or information associated with their account.

If that is not possible, users may be asked to scan a credit card. Some testers reported being given the option to scan official identification.

Global rollout of age checks

Earlier this week, Apple announced a new age verification tool in the United States and several other countries aimed at ensuring users downloading certain apps are at least 18 years old.

The tool is being rolled out in Utah and Louisiana in the US, as well as Australia, Brazil and Singapore – all of which have introduced laws requiring stricter age controls for apps rated 18+.

App developers in those regions are now able to use Apple's updated Declared Age Range API, which remains in beta, to identify the age bracket of their users.

In Louisiana and Utah, app developers can request a user's age range via the API to meet state compliance requirements.

Apple said the updated system provides new signals, including whether age-related regulatory requirements apply to a user and whether parental or guardian permission is needed for significant updates to a child's app.

"Developers can use the Declared Age Range API to present significant update notifications to adults in these states," the company said, adding that developers must provide "a meaningful description" of changes when releasing major updates.

In Australia, Brazil and Singapore, users will be prevented from downloading apps classified as 18 and over unless their age has been confirmed through what Apple described as "reasonable methods".

The App Store will carry out this confirmation automatically, although developers may still be required under local law to verify users independently.

For developers distributing apps in Brazil, Apple said that declaring the presence of loot boxes through the age rating questionnaire would result in the app being rated 18+ on the Brazilian storefront.

Discord delays planned age verification rollout

The push towards age verification has sparked debate across the technology sector.

On Wednesday, the messaging platform Discord announced it would delay its own global age verification plans until the second half of 2026, scrapping an initial March rollout.

Under the original proposal, some users would have been required to undergo facial scanning or submit identification documents to retain full access to the service.

Those who did not complete verification would have been restricted to teen-level access.

The announcement prompted a backlash from parts of Discord's user base, with concerns raised about privacy and data handling.

In a blog post, the company's co-founder and CTO, Stanislav Vishnevskiy, said the firm was rethinking its approach.

"We're listening. We'll get this right," the platform said, promising more user-friendly options when the system is eventually introduced.