Apple’s age verification feature was launched in the UK in iOS 26.4 following an unintentional rollout in the developer beta. While certain users experienced a simple process, numerous others reported substantial problems on Apple Support forums and Reddit.
The age verification stipulation requires UK users to verify they are over 18 to access all applications in the App Store, fulfilling Britain’s Online Safety Act. However, there are mixed views on whether this is legally required of Apple. The initiative received approval from the UK regulator Ofcom.
### The Age Verification Procedure
Post upgrade to iOS 26.4, UK users will notice a new link in the settings app labeled “Confirm You Are 18+.” Clicking this link brings up a screen stating that Apple might automatically verify age. If the verification is successful, users get a confirmation that the process is complete. If unsuccessful, users must manually verify their age, which has led to confusion and problems for some.
### What Proof Is and Isn’t Accepted?
Apple recognizes credit cards as valid proof of age since they can only be issued to those who are 18 and above in the UK. Conversely, debit cards, which can be issued to younger individuals, are not approved. This distinction can often be ambiguous for users, exacerbated by the absence of legal requirements for banks to label cards. Furthermore, while driving licenses (including provisional ones) are accepted, passports are not.
**Accepted:**
– Credit card
– Driving license
**Not Accepted:**
– Debit card
– Passport
### Additional Problems and Potential Solutions
Some users with acceptable forms of identification still have trouble completing the verification process. Here are a few solutions that have proven effective for some:
1. **Wait During Scanning:** Users have indicated that waiting around 10 seconds for each side of the driving license scan can result in successful verification. Ensure no shadows interfere during the scan.
2. **Restart Your Phone:** Restarting the device has aided several users who initially encountered problems.
3. **Add Credit Card to Apple Wallet:** Some found that a credit card initially denied was successfully accepted after being added to Apple Wallet.
### Conclusion
While some users had a seamless verification experience, the volume of reported problems indicates that Apple should clarify acceptable forms of ID and contemplate accepting passports in the UK. If the proposed solutions do not address the issues, users may need to await Apple’s resolution of any lingering bugs.