Apple has announced upcoming changes to its App Store age ratings in Australia and France. The changes align with local regulations and are designed to enhance safety for users – particularly children.
These new regional ratings will be displayed alongside Apple's global age ratings, requiring no action from developers.
The current App Store age ratings state that an app containing “Infrequent or mild simulated gambling” will receive the 12+ categorisation, while an app containing gambling or “Frequent or intense simulated gambling” will receive the 17+ categorisation.
In Australia, however, the new development will see apps featuring any form of simulated gambling receiving an R18+ regional age rating, in addition to their Apple global age rating.
In France, apps with a 17+ Apple global age rating will also display an 18+ regional age rating on the App Store.
This change comes in the wake of new Australian classification guidelines for video games containing gambling-like content – a change that came into effect on 22 September 2024.
The Australian Government's new rules are a response to concerns about the potential link between gambling-like mechanics in video games and problem gambling, especially among younger users.
Games offering paid loot boxes or chance-based in-game purchases will now receive a minimum classification of M (Mature), not recommended for players under 15. Those featuring simulated gambling will be classified as R 18+ and purchases will be restricted to adults only.
