Important Information for UK Apple Users - New 18+ Verification Changes in iOS/iPadOS 26.4
Apple has introduced new age verification measures for UK users as part of the iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 update rollout.
After updating, some UK users may be asked to confirm they are over 18 in order to access certain apps, account features, purchases, adult/sensitive content settings - including access to OFC itself.
There are also suggestions that people visiting the UK (for example tourists or short-term visitors) could potentially encounter the same verification prompts if their device has updated and they attempt to access age-restricted services while in the UK. However, the exact scope of how broadly these checks are applied is still somewhat unclear.
Not every user will necessarily see a prompt. Apple may automatically determine that an account belongs to an adult using factors such as:
• How long the Apple account has existed
• Existing payment methods
• Credit cards linked to Apple Pay or the Apple Account
If Apple cannot automatically verify that the account holder is an adult, users may be asked to verify using:
• A credit card scan
• Driving licence or ID scan
• PASS-accredited proof-of-age card
If verification is skipped or unsuccessful, Apple may automatically enable additional child safety restrictions on the device.
It’s worth noting that many people are understandably uncomfortable with the idea of scanning photo ID for online age verification.
However, Apple does provide an alternative option in many cases: users can scan a valid credit card instead. Importantly, the card does not need to be permanently added to your Apple Account or Apple Wallet in order to complete verification.
When prompted, users may have the option to scan a credit card solely for age/identity confirmation. After the card is scanned, you can choose not to continue with adding the payment method to your Apple Wallet or Apple Account if you do not wish to save it.
Official Apple information:
Apple Support - Age requirements for managing an Apple Account in the UK
Further reading & support:
BBC News Article - Pornhub's parent company Aylo says it will be making the site available again for some UK users.
Ladbible Article - What happens if you don’t verify age in new iPhone update as Pornhub unrestricted for users
Apple Age Verification Failing: Causes and Fixes for UK iPhones
If you want to delay the rollout for now, you can disable automatic updates:
Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates > Turn OFF:
• Download iOS Updates
• Install iOS Updates
Please remember that delaying updates can also delay important security fixes.
There is still a lot of confusion around exactly how broadly this system applies, what data Apple stores, and whether future UK updates may expand these checks further. If you’ve encountered the prompt yourself, feel free to share your experience below.
Apple has introduced new age verification measures for UK users as part of the iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 update rollout.
After updating, some UK users may be asked to confirm they are over 18 in order to access certain apps, account features, purchases, adult/sensitive content settings - including access to OFC itself.
There are also suggestions that people visiting the UK (for example tourists or short-term visitors) could potentially encounter the same verification prompts if their device has updated and they attempt to access age-restricted services while in the UK. However, the exact scope of how broadly these checks are applied is still somewhat unclear.
Not every user will necessarily see a prompt. Apple may automatically determine that an account belongs to an adult using factors such as:
• How long the Apple account has existed
• Existing payment methods
• Credit cards linked to Apple Pay or the Apple Account
If Apple cannot automatically verify that the account holder is an adult, users may be asked to verify using:
• A credit card scan
• Driving licence or ID scan
• PASS-accredited proof-of-age card
If verification is skipped or unsuccessful, Apple may automatically enable additional child safety restrictions on the device.
It’s worth noting that many people are understandably uncomfortable with the idea of scanning photo ID for online age verification.
However, Apple does provide an alternative option in many cases: users can scan a valid credit card instead. Importantly, the card does not need to be permanently added to your Apple Account or Apple Wallet in order to complete verification.
When prompted, users may have the option to scan a credit card solely for age/identity confirmation. After the card is scanned, you can choose not to continue with adding the payment method to your Apple Wallet or Apple Account if you do not wish to save it.
Official Apple information:
Apple Support - Age requirements for managing an Apple Account in the UK
Further reading & support:
BBC News Article - Pornhub's parent company Aylo says it will be making the site available again for some UK users.
Ladbible Article - What happens if you don’t verify age in new iPhone update as Pornhub unrestricted for users
Apple Age Verification Failing: Causes and Fixes for UK iPhones
If you want to delay the rollout for now, you can disable automatic updates:
Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates > Turn OFF:
• Download iOS Updates
• Install iOS Updates
Please remember that delaying updates can also delay important security fixes.
There is still a lot of confusion around exactly how broadly this system applies, what data Apple stores, and whether future UK updates may expand these checks further. If you’ve encountered the prompt yourself, feel free to share your experience below.