2.3.6 — Honest age rating

The content descriptors selected in the age rating questionnaire — violence, mature themes, simulated gambling, and so on — need to accurately reflect the app's real content; under-declaring to get a lower, more appealing rating is a violation.

Commonly triggered when an app's actual content, such as user-generated posts or ad content, doesn't match the 4+ or 9+ rating it was submitted under.

The short version, in more detail

Guideline 2.3.6 requires honest answers in the age-rating questionnaire. The content descriptors, covering violence, mature themes, simulated gambling and similar areas, must reflect what is in the app. Under-declaring to get a more appealing rating is a violation, and apps with user-generated or ad content are a frequent source of mismatches.

What this guideline covers

• The age-rating questionnaire in App Store Connect.
• Content descriptors and how they map to the final rating.
• User-generated and third-party content such as ads.
• The relationship between the rating and the audience.

What usually triggers this rejection

• Content in the app that is stronger than the declared rating allows.
• User posts or ads that are not accounted for in the questionnaire.
• Answering no to categories that the app clearly includes.
• A rating chosen for marketing rather than accuracy.
• Changes in a later version that raise the content level without updating the rating.

How reviewers evaluate it

• Reviewers compare the questionnaire answers with what they see.
• They look for content that exceeds the declared level.
• They consider embedded web content and ads.
• Rating mismatches are treated as accuracy problems.

Common misunderstandings

• A low rating is not a goal in itself. It has to be correct.
• Content from outside sources still counts toward the rating.
• Answering once is not enough. The rating should keep pace with the app.

Common questions