Google is implementing age verification in its Play Store in response to U.S. laws [2]. This move requires Android users to verify they are 18 or older to access certain apps and games, similar to YouTube's age checks [6]. Meanwhile, Apple's iOS 26 introduces a host of new features, enhancing user experience across older iPhones as well [14].
Age Assurance and Privacy Concerns
Google's age verification process includes options such as ID verification, selfie analysis, credit card confirmation, or using a third-party service [9]. However, these measures have sparked privacy concerns, with digital rights activists like the Electronic Frontier Foundation cautioning about potential misclassification, data retention, and exposure to data leaks [5]. While Google aims to create a "privacy-preserving" system [5], the ID checks have raised concerns about sensitive document handling [5]. The rollout has already begun, with users noticing prompts to verify their age [6].
iOS 26 and the Future of Mobile
Apple's iOS 26 brings over 25 new actions to the Shortcuts app [11]. The update also includes Live Translation for Messages, Phone, and FaceTime calls, and visual intelligence for quick lookups within screenshots [17]. Users can now customize conversation backgrounds in Messages [18]. The lock screen now estimates battery charge times [20]. Apple has released iOS 26.1 Release Candidate (RC), suggesting the final version is imminent [12]. However, some bolder promises from WWDC 24 have not yet materialized, indicating a more measured approach from Apple [17].
TL;DR
- Google is rolling out age verification on the Play Store to comply with U.S. laws, raising privacy concerns [2, 5].
- Apple's iOS 26 introduces new features like Live Translation and enhanced visual intelligence, improving user experience [17].
- Magic Leap and Google are collaborating on an Android XR prototype, showcasing the potential future of AR technology [15, 16].
- Small-town stores are adopting digital loyalty rewards programs through branded apps [3, 4].