Apple has announced new App Store age rating changes that will affect developers in Australia and Vietnam starting June 18, 2026, as the company continues adjusting its platform to meet growing global rules around online safety for minors.
The update changes how apps receive age classifications in both countries, and developers now need to review their App Store Connect questionnaires carefully before the new system goes live.
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Over the past year, several governments have introduced stricter rules around social media access, gaming systems, and online experiences for younger users, especially in areas involving “loot boxes,” unrestricted browsing, and sensitive health-related content.
Apple has already started responding to those changes through a more detailed App Store rating system and new age assurance tools designed to limit access to certain apps in specific regions.
In a new notice posted on its developer website, Apple confirmed that “starting June 18, 2026, age ratings on the App Store will be updated in Australia and Vietnam.”
Australia App Store will remove the 15+ rating
Apple said the 15+ age classification will disappear entirely from the Australian App Store under updated computer game classification guidelines.
The company explained the following apps will automatically move from 15+ to 16+ if they include certain content descriptors:
- Unrestricted web access
- Frequent medical or treatment information
- Loot boxes
Apple said:
“The new rating will appear on your app’s product page in Australia. Please ensure your responses to the age rating questionnaire in App Store Connect accurately reflect your app’s content.”
That change matters because many social, browser-based, and gaming apps currently rely on the 15+ category in Australia, especially apps that include randomized purchases or open internet access.
Vietnam is getting region-specific App Store ratings
Apple also confirmed Vietnam will receive its own localized App Store age rating system to comply with Article 38 of Vietnam Decree 147.
The company said:
“Apps available on the App Store in Vietnam will require a region-specific age rating.”
Based on App Store Connect questionnaire responses, apps in Vietnam will receive one of four ratings:
- 00+ (all ages)
- 12+
- 16+
- 18+
Those ratings will appear directly on App Store product pages in Vietnam once the new system launches on June 18.
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