Apple Brings Mandatory Age Verification to UK With iOS 26.4
Apple now requires UK users to verify their age via credit card or government ID — a first for any European market.
Apple is rolling out mandatory age verification for UK users through iOS 26.4. The system requires people to confirm their age using either a credit card or official identification document.
This marks the first time Apple has implemented such a requirement anywhere in Europe. The move comes after sustained pressure from the UK government, which has been pushing smartphone manufacturers to step up protections for children online.
The verification mechanism effectively gates access based on proven identity, a significant shift from Apple's historically lighter-touch approach to age checks. It signals that tech giants are increasingly bending to regulatory demands around child safety — at least in markets willing to push hard enough.
Whether other European governments follow the UK's lead and demand similar measures remains to be seen. For now, British iPhone users will need their wallets handy at setup.