Mobile software content rating system
A mobile software content rating system is a rating system which is tailored to users of mobile software.
Comparison table
A comparison of current mobile software rating systems, showing age on the horizontal axis. Note however that the specific criteria used in assigning a classification can vary widely from one country/system to another. Thus a color code or age range cannot be directly compared from one country to another.Key:
- White – No restrictions: Suitable for all ages / Aimed at young audiences / Exempt / Not rated / No applicable rating.
- Yellow – Advisory: Parental guidance is suggested for designated age range.
- Purple – Strong advisory: Not recommended for a younger audience but not restricted.
- Red – Restricted: Parental accompaniment required for younger audiences.
- Black – Prohibitive: Exclusively for older audience / Restricted to licensed premises / Purchase age-restricted / Banned.
Existing systems
App Store (iOS/iPadOS)
Since iOS 26, Apple's rating system for the App Store has followed the following rubric:- 4+: Contains no objectionable material. Apps specifically aimed at children can be placed into one of three subcategories: ages 5 and under, 6–8 and 9–11.
- 9+: May contain content unsuitable for children under the age of 9.
- 13+: May contain content unsuitable for children under the age of 13. Replaces the 12+ rating.
- 16+: May contain content unsuitable for children under the age of 16. Replaces the 17+ rating.
- 18+: May contain content unsuitable for children under the age of 18. Replaces the 17+ rating.
Google Play
Up until March 17, 2015 Google Play used the following rubric:- Everyone
- Low maturity
- Medium maturity
- High maturity
This includes Americas, where ESRB is imposed, Brazil with ClassInd, Europe and Israel with PEGI, Australia with ACB and South Korea with GRAC. However, a new Google Play Rating system is used exclusively in Russia and for non-gaming apps in South Korea.
These ratings include:
- 3+
- 7+
- 12+
- 16+
- 18+
Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle
The Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle utilises the following age classifications: 0, 6, 12, 16 and 18. Games rated 12 can be legally purchased from the age of 10.Samsung Galaxy Store
The ratings are, All Ages, 4+, 12+, 15+ and 18+. The 18+ rating is enforced and the rest are advisory.Amazon Appstore
On the Amazon Appstore, "All Ages" is for all ages. "Guidance Suggested" is for recommendation that parents should give guidance to pre-teens/children. "Mature" is recommended to be suitable for mature audiences. "Adult" is advertisements, graphic violence, nudity or other content only suitable for adult audiences.Blackberry World
The Blackberry appstore as the following ratings:- G All ages
- T May not be suitable for children under the age of 13
- M May not be suitable for children under the age of 17
- A Content that is generally recognized as appropriate only for, or that is legally restricted to, persons at least the age of majority in their region.
CTIA Mobile Application Rating System