has there been a new update as I’m not sure if I’ve a scam on my iPad? It’s asking me to verify my age by credit card or ID , I’ve never been asked this before. I turned it off completely for a few hours but it’s the hello and welcome screen then wanting my details. Any ideas please?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Scam or update?
iPad Air, iPadOS 26
In most cases, not a scam...
Perhaps you are located within the UK - which has recently enacted stronger age-verification legislation under the UK Government Online Safety Bill. Some additional information can be found here:
Legal - UK Online Safety - Apple
When updating to iOS/iPadOS 26.4, it is necessary to complete a robust age-verification process - the required steps being determined by how much information Apple already possesses about you and your Apple Account. In some circumstances, Apple will verify your age using a Credit Card registered in your name - and for this reason, you may be required to provide this information.
If not using a Credit Card, other forms of ID are accepted. Suitable ID is documented here:
Age requirements for managing an Apple Account in the UK – Apple Support (UK)
Additional information about age-verification can be found here:
If you're asked to confirm that you’re an adult – Apple Support (UK)
In most cases, not a scam...
Perhaps you are located within the UK - which has recently enacted stronger age-verification legislation under the UK Government Online Safety Bill. Some additional information can be found here:
Legal - UK Online Safety - Apple
When updating to iOS/iPadOS 26.4, it is necessary to complete a robust age-verification process - the required steps being determined by how much information Apple already possesses about you and your Apple Account. In some circumstances, Apple will verify your age using a Credit Card registered in your name - and for this reason, you may be required to provide this information.
If not using a Credit Card, other forms of ID are accepted. Suitable ID is documented here:
Age requirements for managing an Apple Account in the UK – Apple Support (UK)
Additional information about age-verification can be found here:
If you're asked to confirm that you’re an adult – Apple Support (UK)
You are very welcome. I guessed correctly that you are UK resident. 🙂
Apples age-verification process was introduced for UK residents with release of macOS/iOS/iPadOS 26.4 - this being in response to UK Legislation. This Legislation impacts all online services and Service Providers - and by extension, anyone that uses them.
Card details stored within your Apple Wallet are not necessarily used for age verification - as these payment methods are not necessarily your own. By contrast, Credit Card information registered within your Apple Account details (if applicable), used to pay for Apple Service subscriptions and services (e.g. iCloud, AppleTV, Apple Music), may be used to satisfy Apple's age verification process using a "soft" credit check via Credit Reference agencies.
Thank you. I’m uk based. I’ve just never seen this before. I don’t store my credit card details in the wallet.
iPad asking for age verification via credit card or ID: Scam or update?
