The Passport Problem Solved

The change meant that users had to use ID or a credit card to confirm they were an adult. Debit cards are available to people under 18, so they didn’t work. And while a drivers’ license was an acceptable ID, the problem arose if you weren’t a driver. That’s because a passport wasn’t accepted as ID.

That’s the bit that’s changed now. Apple has now confirmed that passports are accepted as proof of ID and age in the U.K.

Expanded List Of Acceptable IDs

Of course, there are millions of people in the U.K. who don’t have a passport — it’s thought to be about one in eight people — but it’s a big step forward. Apple has also updated its official guidance to include a wider range of options.

“You can confirm your age with a credit card that belongs to you, or by scanning your passport, driver's license, or one of the following PASS-accredited Proof of Age cards: CitizenCard, My ID Card, TOTUM ID card, or Young Scot National Entitlement Card. Debit cards and gift cards aren't supported,” Apple said in its updated advice in an updated support document.

A European First

“The U.K. is believed to be the first European market where Apple is rolling out its new age controls, which are designed to ensure that only adults can download apps rated on its App Store as being suitable for over-18s,” Tim Bradshaw at the Financial Times reported at the time.