Apple to block underage users in S'pore from downloading apps rated 18+

Apple users in Singapore have been alerted to new measures that may require them to show that they are above 18 years old to download certain apps.

- Sarah Koh

Apple's Feb 24 blog post to app developers comes a month before the mandatory roll-out of new measures by app stores to screen and prevent Singapore users below 18 from downloading apps meant for adults, like dating apps. ST FILE PHOTO

This comes a month before the Singapore Government requires all major app stores to block young users here from downloading apps not meant for their age.

"Starting Feb 24, 2026, Apple will block users in Australia, Brazil and Singapore from downloading apps rated 18+ unless they have been confirmed to be adults through reasonable methods," said Apple in a Feb 24 blog post to app developers.

"The App Store will perform this confirmation automatically."

Apple did not respond to The Straits Times' queries about what these methods are.