Bit of a left-field PSA this, but… if you own an iPhone/iPad in the UK and:
- you DON'T own a credit card
- you DON'T have a driving license
- you have NOT had your Apple account for more than 18 years
…don't upgrade to iOS 26.4 if you want to install (or some cases, use) 17+ rated apps or stream 18+ films/tv on itvX, netflix, etc.
The update adds mandatory OS-level age verification to meet UK law and Apple doesn't currently accept passports (!) to prove age.
I'm not sharing this to argue the merits/flaws in the Online Safety Act or similar legislation as a general point or Apple complying – it has to; it's law – but signpost a specific real-world edge case…
I don't drive, and I've never owned a credit card. Suddenly that makes me 17 again (hurrah),
While it's always flattering when people assume I'm younger than I am, it's rather unfunny to be unable to use apps or services I pay for...
@omgubuntu In exactly the same boat here.
I've had an iPhone and an Apple account since 2010.
Got my first Apple laptop in 2004.
Learned to nerd on an IBM RS/6000 running AIX 3.2.5 (not counting the parental ZX81).
However, I'm apparently a child, because I don't like the idea of living on credit and I think the private car isn't that great an idea.
omg! ubuntu
Gideon Hallett