Apple has announced upcoming changes to its App Store policies, introducing new "Time Allowance" categories for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS that will allow parents to manage screen time based on app functionality rather than just store categories. Starting in July 2026, developers must disclose social media features in their age rating questionnaires, which will influence how apps are grouped for parental controls. By September 2026, these disclosures will become mandatory for all new app submissions and updates, as well as for software notarization on alternative marketplaces.
How Time Allowances Will Change App Categorization
Apple’s new framework shifts the focus of parental controls from static App Store categories to functional app behavior. According to official documentation from Apple, the system will sort apps into three primary buckets: Entertainment, Games, and Social Media.
While the Entertainment and Games categories rely on the primary and secondary classifications developers select in App Store Connect, the Social Media category is defined by behavior. Any app that facilitates the redistribution, amplification, or interaction with user-generated content—such as social feeds or content discovery engines—will be flagged as social media. This change ensures that parental restrictions remain consistent regardless of how a developer categorizes their app for search visibility.
Requirements for Developers and Age Ratings
The update introduces a stricter compliance path for developers regarding age-appropriate experiences. Beginning in July 2026, the Apple App Store age rating questionnaire will require a specific declaration regarding social media capabilities.
- Mandatory 13+ Rating: If an app includes social media features, it will automatically be placed in the Social Media time allowance category and assigned a minimum age rating of 13+.
- Disabled Features for Minors: Developers can opt to disable social media features for users under 13. To utilize this exemption, developers must implement the Declared Age Range API. If properly configured, the app may retain a lower age rating while still being grouped into the Social Media category for users aged 13 and older.
Why This Matters for App Distribution
This policy update aligns with increasing global regulatory pressure on digital safety for minors. By requiring developers to categorize their apps based on social interaction capabilities, Apple is standardizing how Screen Time limits are applied across the ecosystem.
Starting in September 2026, compliance becomes a prerequisite for distribution. Developers failing to indicate whether their app includes social media capabilities will be unable to submit new versions or updates to the App Store. Furthermore, this requirement extends to notarization for apps distributed via alternative app marketplaces, ensuring that these parental control standards apply even outside of Apple’s direct storefront.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t update my app by September 2026?
You will be unable to submit new versions or updates to the App Store. The same requirement applies to apps notarized for distribution on alternative marketplaces.
Does the Social Media category depend on my App Store Connect category?
No. The Social Media category is determined by the app’s functionality, specifically the presence of content feeds or user-to-user content interaction, regardless of the primary or secondary category selected in App Store Connect.
Can I keep my app rated under 13+ if it has social features?
Yes, but only if those features are strictly disabled for users under 13. You must use the Declared Age Range API to verify user age and ensure those specific capabilities are hidden or inactive for younger users.