- Age verification launches for iOS and iPadOS users in the UK
- Some users struggle to find the ID or get it approved
- One option is to refuse to install the iOS 26.4 / iPadOS 26.4 update
Apple has created a storm of confusion and controversy with its decision to roll out age verification in the UK with iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 – and a significant number of users are having trouble proving how old they are.
If you’re a UK user and install the iOS 26.4 or iPadOS 26.4 update, you’ll be greeted with a message asking you to prove you’re over 18, with some exceptions: people who already have a credit card on file (these can only be issued to adults) and those who’ve had their Apple account for more than 18 years.
For now, the prompt can be dismissed (you can find it again in Settings), but that probably won’t last forever. The two verification methods that Apple supports are scans of a credit card (not debit card) and scans of a photo driver’s license, but as 9to5Mac reports, there are several people who don’t either.
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Even for those who can provide a card or ID, the process appears to be buggy and fails fairly regularly. According to feedback provided to 9to5Mac, you can try waiting longer (about 10 seconds) for a scan to be accepted, adding a credit card to Apple Wallet, or restarting your phone and trying the process again if you have a problem.
Stops the update
Although Apple has not explicitly said why the age controls have been introduced, there is growing momentum in the UK and globally for child safety protections to be built into phones and apps. Adult websites operating in the UK are required by law to verify the age of users, although until now this has not been handled at an entity level.
While UK regulator Ofcom has welcomed the move, reaction among users has been less than impressed, with the rollout branded “stupid” and “ridiculous”. There is also growing concern that these kinds of restrictions will be extended to additional countries and entities over time.
You have the option to refuse to install the iOS 26.4 or iPadOS 26.4 update: From Settings, tap General > Software Update and turn off Automatic updates. However, it also means you won’t get the latest software features or security updates from Apple, so it’s usually not recommended in the long term.
Apart from staying tight-lipped about the age verification rollout, Apple hasn’t said anything about or what people without a credit card or driving license in the UK will need to do to get verified – but hopefully we’ll get official guidance soon.
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