Apple introduces new regional Age Ratings for apps in Australia and France

Apple has announced the introduction of new regional age ratings for apps in Australia and France. This development, revealed on September 26, 2024, aims to provide more localized and specific content ratings for users in these countries, aligning with local regulations and cultural norms.

Regional age ratings are content classification systems specific to particular countries or regions. These ratings help users, especially parents and guardians, make informed decisions about the appropriateness of digital content for different age groups. They take into account local cultural sensitivities and legal requirements, which can vary significantly from one country to another.

Australia's new R18+ rating for simulated gambling

Under the new system, apps featuring any instances of simulated gambling will receive an R18+ regional age rating in Australia. This rating will be displayed alongside Apple's global age rating on the Australian App Store. The R18+ classification is typically reserved for content that is considered unsuitable for individuals under 18 years of age.

According to the Australian Classification Board, the R18+ rating is defined as:

"R 18+ (Restricted) Material is restricted to adults. Such material may contain classifiable elements such as sex scenes and drug use that are high in impact."

This move reflects growing concerns about the potential impact of simulated gambling on younger users. By implementing this stricter rating, Apple aims to provide clearer information to Australian users about app content that may involve gambling-like mechanics.

France's 18+ rating for mature content

In France, the new regional rating system will assign an 18+ rating to any app that currently has a 17+ global age rating from Apple. This change aligns the App Store's rating system more closely with French content classification standards.

The French rating system, known as PEGI (Pan European Game Information), typically uses the following age categories:

• 3+
• 7+
• 12+
• 16+
• 18+

By introducing the 18+ regional rating, Apple is providing French users with a more familiar and locally relevant content classification system.

Implementation timeline and developer impact

Apple has stated that these new regional age ratings will be implemented "within the next few months." Importantly, the company has emphasized that no action is required from app developers. The new ratings will be automatically applied based on existing content information provided by developers.

Apple's global Age Rating System

To understand the context of these changes, it's important to review Apple's current global age rating system. The App Store uses the following categories:

1. 4+: No objectionable material
2. 9+: May contain mild cartoon violence or crude humor
3. 12+: May include more intense cartoon violence, mild realistic violence, or mature themes
4. 17+: May contain frequent intense violence, sexual content, or drug use

These global ratings will continue to be displayed alongside the new regional ratings in Australia and France.

Comparison with other rating systems

Apple's move to incorporate regional ratings brings its system more in line with other established content rating frameworks. For example:

1. ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) used in North America:
   • EC (Early Childhood)
   • E (Everyone)
   • E10+ (Everyone 10+)
   • T (Teen)
   • M (Mature 17+)
   • AO (Adults Only 18+)
2. PEGI (Pan European Game Information) used in Europe:
   • 3+
   • 7+
   • 12+
   • 16+
   • 18+

Implications for users and developers

The introduction of these regional ratings has several implications:

1. Enhanced User Information: Users in Australia and France will have access to more locally relevant content ratings, helping them make more informed decisions about app downloads.
2. Parental Controls: The new ratings may integrate with existing parental control features, allowing for more granular content restrictions based on local standards.
3. Developer Compliance: While no immediate action is required from developers, they may need to be more aware of how their app content is classified in different regions.
4. App Store Algorithms: The new ratings could potentially affect how apps are displayed or recommended in the Australian and French App Stores.

Technical implementation

While Apple has not disclosed the technical details of how these new ratings will be implemented, it's likely that the process will involve:

1. Backend Changes: Updates to Apple's App Store servers to accommodate the new regional rating data.
2. App Store App Updates: Modifications to the App Store app on iOS and macOS devices to display the new ratings.
3. API Updates: Potential updates to Apple's developer APIs to include the new regional rating information.

Future implications

This development raises several questions about the future of app content ratings:

1. Will Apple extend similar regional ratings to other countries?
2. How might these changes affect app discovery and recommendation algorithms?
3. Could this lead to more regionalized content policies on the App Store?

Key Facts

• Apple announced new regional age ratings for Australia and France on September 26, 2024.
• In Australia, apps with simulated gambling will receive an R18+ rating.
• In France, apps with a 17+ global rating will receive an 18+ regional rating.
• Implementation will occur "within the next few months."
• No action is required from developers.
• Regional ratings will be displayed alongside Apple's global age ratings.
• This move aligns with local regulations and cultural norms in Australia and France.
• The change is part of Apple's ongoing efforts to enhance App Store safety.