Apple expands App Store age ratings with new social features questionnaire

Apple has introduced new requirements for developers submitting apps to the App Store, expanding its age rating system with a more detailed questionnaire focused on social features, user-generated content, and in-app controls. The updated process is designed to produce more accurate age ratings across Apple’s platforms and will become mandatory for all app submissions and updates.

The revised questionnaire, available through App Store Connect, asks developers to provide additional information about how users interact within their apps. New questions cover features such as user-generated content, messaging capabilities, friend or follower systems, livestreaming, content creation tools, and the presence of advertising that may expose users to age-sensitive material.

Apple has also added questions about the safeguards developers have implemented to protect younger users. Developers must indicate whether their apps include moderation systems, content filtering, reporting tools, blocking functionality, or parental controls that help manage interactions and reduce exposure to inappropriate content.

The expanded questionnaire supports Apple’s updated age rating framework, which now introduces a more granular set of classifications. In addition to the existing ratings, developers will now receive one of five age categories: 4+, 9+, 13+, 16+, or 18+. The new 16+ category is intended to better distinguish apps that contain mature themes but may not warrant an adults-only classification.

According to Apple, developers are not required to submit a new version of their apps solely because of the questionnaire changes. Existing apps will retain their current ratings until developers complete the updated questionnaire when submitting a new app or app update. However, Apple noted that developers should review their responses carefully, as revised answers could result in a different age rating than previously assigned.

The updated system also allows parents to make more informed decisions when approving app downloads for children. More detailed ratings will improve the effectiveness of parental controls across Apple devices and provide users with clearer information about the types of content and interactions available within an app before installation.

Apple said the changes reflect the continued evolution of mobile apps, many of which now combine social networking, messaging, content creation, and livestreaming features that were less common when the existing questionnaire was introduced. By collecting more detailed information about these capabilities, the company aims to ensure age ratings more accurately reflect how apps function in practice.

The expanded questionnaire is now available in App Store Connect, and developers are encouraged to review the new requirements ahead of their next app submission.