Simulated gambling features prompt R18+ classification in Australian iPhone applications

Apple has announced an important update to its App Store age ratings in Australia and France. Fortunately, developers with apps operating in these regions will not need to take any specific action. Apple indicated that these changes will be implemented in the upcoming months in compliance with local regulations.

In Australia, any app that features instances of simulated gambling will be required to carry an R18+ regional age rating alongside the existing Apple global age rating on the App Store. Similarly, in France, apps that have a 17+ Apple global age rating will also show an 18+ regional age rating on the App Store.

Apple’s App Store age rating system is notably more stringent compared to alternatives like ESRB or PEGI. For instance, while PEGI categorizes a game as 3+, Apple designates it as 4+. Additionally, PEGI’s 16+ rating corresponds to Apple’s 17+. Notably, content rated 18+ by PEGI or marked as Adults Only by ESRB is not permitted for publication on the App Store.

In Australia, the government is focused on addressing issues related to simulated gambling, which leads Apple’s rating system to classify these games as 17+ globally. In France, the aim seems to be enhancing clarity, as many features that Apple permits for users aged 17 and above might be perceived as 18+ content by a portion of the audience.

Content categorized with a 17+ rating in Apple’s system comprises:

• Unrestricted web access, including embedded browsers
• Gambling
• Frequent or intense simulated gambling
• Frequent or intense mature or suggestive themes
• Frequent or intense medical or treatment-related discussions
• Frequent or intense references to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use
• Frequent or intense sexual content or nudity
• Frequent or intense realistic violence

As previously mentioned, Apple will handle all of these modifications, ensuring that developers do not need to edit the details of their apps in the App Store profile.

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