United Kingdom, March 26 -- Apple has begun introducing mandatory age verification checks for iPhone and iPad users in the UK,

It means customers are required to confirm they are adults before accessing certain services, including 18-plus apps.

The change arrives with the latest iOS 26.4 software update and forms part of a broader push to strengthen online safety for younger users.

Once the update is installed, users are prompted with a message stating: "UK law requires you to confirm you are an adult to change content restrictions."

To verify their age, users can submit a valid credit card, scan official identification, or in some cases rely on existing account information already held by Apple.

The company may also assess how long ...