Some users in the UK started seeing an age verification prompt after installing iOS 26.4 beta 2, which led many to believe Apple had begun enforcing new checks under the country’s Online Safety Act. The message appeared while downloading apps and asked users to confirm they were 18 or older.
Soon after, Apple clarified that the alert was not part of an official rollout and appeared due to an error in the beta software.
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Earlier this week, reports surfaced from beta users who encountered the prompt shortly after updating. The issue drew attention because the UK’s Online Safety Act requires platforms to verify that users are adults before giving them unrestricted access to certain types of content.
Apple has been updating its age verification tools to comply with such laws, including APIs that use account signals like payment methods and how long an Apple Account has been active.
In a statement to The Verge, Apple addressed the issue directly.
“Some users on the beta software in the UK temporarily saw a message suggesting age verification is required to download apps. That message was displayed in error, and has been fixed. Developers may continue to use the Declared Age Range API to provide age appropriate experiences for users.”
Apple’s clarification confirms that the prompt was not an early launch of mandatory checks but simply a mistake within the beta build. The company has since removed the alert, and developers can continue using the Declared Age Range API to deliver age-appropriate app experiences in line with local regulations.
I just install 26.4 (the release version) and this age verification is required. I am investigating if Android phones are the same and will switch if not!