For users in the United Kingdom, Apple has implemented Mandatory Age Checks, requiring all users to prove their age.
The U.K. is believed to be the first European market where Apple is rolling out its new age controls, which are designed for Adults to confirm that they’re 18 or older to use certain services or features, or take certain actions on their account.
Web Content Filter and Communication Safety are automatically turned on for kids and teens, as well as adults who haven’t confirmed their age.
Upon updating your device software to iOS 26.4, users will be faced with a message which says:
“UK law requires you to confirm you are an adult to change content restrictions.”
You can confirm your age with a credit card, or by scanning a driver’s license or one of the following PASS-accredited Proof of Age cards: CitizenCard, My ID Card, TOTUM ID card, or Young Scot National Entitlement Card.
Apple doesn’t accept debit cards as proof, as these are available in the U.K. to people under 18. Passports or gift cards aren’t supported on launch either.
If you already have an Apple Account, Apple will check if you have a credit card on file or other eligible methods available to confirm that you’re 18 or older.
The move comes after many web services, including pornography websites, introduced age verification gates in order to comply with the Online Safety Act’s measures to protect children from harmful content.
App stores are not covered by that law and Ofcom said Apple’s decision meant “the UK will be one of the first countries in the world to receive new child safety protections on devices”.
“Apple’s decision that the UK will be one of the first countries in the world to receive new child safety protections on devices is a real win for children and families,”
