Simon ZerafaApple is lying about UK Legal requirements for age verification:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ios/comments/1s3cwxz/apple_is_lying_about_their_uk_age_verification/
Apologies, I don't normally post Reddit links, but this one is quite interesting.
ItsComplicated"The Act’s duties apply to search services and services that allow users to post content online or to interact with each other.”
The above wording could be used against Apple later so adding verification now was less of a financial burden than it would be later.
Doesn't help stop the spread of age verification or strengthen privacy protections. This does help Apple's bottom line.
If they are adding over 18 age gatekeeping it's purely as a cost saving exercise, as you suggest.
They are reading the room and complying in advance with what they expect to be coming sooner or later.