Updated March 24, 2026: iOS 26.4 is available, here we explain everything you need to know about the update for iPhone
Two days ago, we told you about a new feature spotted in the second beta of iOS 26.4 in the UK, where the iPhone asked UK users to confirm their age before downloading certain apps. This measure was in fact linked to the online security law adopted by the government, and many saw it as the start of broader control that could arrive in France. The Apple firm has, however, just spoken out to clarify the situation with the American media The Verge.
A notification that should never have appeared
Several UK users have seen a message asking them to confirm that they are over 18 when downloading apps. Apple, however, explained to The Verge that this notification was the result of a simple bug in the beta version, and not of an official launch. The Apple firm also clarified that the problem had already been corrected.
No products found.
© Apple insider
This mess remains in any case indicative of the work underway at Apple to comply with British requirements. For several months, the firm has been developing tools capable of determining the age of a user based on data such as the age of their Apple account or the means of payment recorded. However, these tools are not yet ready for general public deployment.
Age verification remains on the agenda
The error does not call into question the project itself, since Apple is still working on a verification interface intended to comply with British online safety law. This law requires platforms to protect minors against inappropriate content, and developers can already use a dedicated interface to adapt their applications according to the declared age of users.
If you are in France, this new feature does not yet concern you, but it could well eventually arrive on your iPhone. The second beta of iOS 26.4 also brings its share of very real changes this time, with several fixes and new features.
By: Keleops AG
