Ensuring a Safe App Store​ Experience

Apple is enhancing age rating systems within the App Store to ⁣provide greater clarity and adhere to local regulations,⁢ particularly in ⁣Australia and South Korea. These changes, rolling out in the coming months, aim to create a safer environment for all users, especially children.

Australia: Age Ratings Based on Game Content

Regional ​age ratings will ​be displayed for ​apps categorized as “Games” (either primary or secondary) within App⁤ Store⁤ connect. These ratings‌ are in addition to Apple’s global age ratings⁣ and are resolute by the content⁢ of ‌the game.

• 15+ ⁢Rating: Assigned to games that offer loot boxes for ⁤purchase.
• 18+ Rating: Applied to games‍ flagged with‍ “Frequent/Intense” instances of simulated gambling ‍within App Store Connect.

South Korea: Expanded Rating Scope

in South Korea, regional age ratings will appear ​for apps‍ categorized ⁤as “Games” or “entertainment” (primary or ‍secondary) and for any app,‌ regardless of category, containing⁢ “Frequent/intense” ⁣instances of simulated gambling. The Korean Game Ratings and​ Governance Committee (GRAC) determines these ratings.

• KR-All Rating: Apps and games ⁣with Apple global age ratings of⁣ 4+ or 9+​ will receive this rating.
• KR-12⁤ Rating: Apps and ⁤games with ⁢an ‍Apple global age rating of 12+ will initially receive this rating.⁤ However, some titles may be upgraded to a KR-15 rating by the GRAC; developers will ⁣be contacted directly by App Review if this occurs.
• KR-19 Rating: Certain apps and games may receive a KR-19 rating from the GRAC.⁣ This rating will be displayed as text rather​ than a pictogram.

Developer Actions

For most developers, no specific action is required. Apple will automatically ​apply‌ these regional age ratings based on​ the data provided in App store Connect. Developers should ensure their app’s content ⁣accurately reflects the⁣ selected categories‌ and gambling-related disclosures ​to ensure correct rating ⁢assignment.