iPhone users in the United Kingdom are reporting widespread issues with Apple’s new mandatory age verification for iCloud accounts, with many unable to complete the required identity checks after updating to iOS 26.4.
The system, which went live in the UK last week, is designed to restrict access to adult-oriented content and services while protecting younger users. It allows users to prove their age in their account settings by either linking a credit card or scanning a government-issued identity document, such as a driver’s license or passport, which is then verified against Apple’s servers.
However, the rollout has been marred by reports of verification failures. Users have taken to Apple Support forums and social media to describe error messages, hanging screens, and difficulties uploading identity documents. While some users report a smooth experience, the scale of the failures suggests significant early-stage reliability challenges for the mobile-first verification flow.
The UK is serving as a primary testing ground for the feature as global pressure for online safety and robust age assurance continues to mount. The feature leverages the digital identity and wallet infrastructure Apple has been building into its mobile ecosystem, intended to give users more control over how they share sensitive personal data in a privacy-preserving way.
For UK users currently facing verification issues, some have reported success by ensuring their device region and iCloud account region match exactly, or by attempting the process over a stable Wi-Fi connection rather than cellular data. Apple has not yet issued a public update on the status of the reported bugs, though the company typically iterates quickly on features affecting core account access.
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By the Mobile ID World Editorial Team
