Skip to main content

iOS 26 upgrades the App Store with these three new features

iOS 26 will bring big feature updates to apps like Wallet, Music, Messages, and more. But there are also several new features coming to the App Store, here’s what’s new in iOS 26.

#1: Top Played Games chart

App Store iOS 26

iOS 26 adds a brand new Games app to your iPhone’s Home Screen, and to complement the new gaming features, Apple is adding a ‘Top Played Games’ chart to the App Store.

When viewing the Games tab in the App Store, you’ll find a new chart showing the current top 25 played games.

This data is powered by Game Center activity, and offers a fresh way to see what games users are especially enjoying at any given moment.

#2: Accessibility Nutrition Labels

When browsing apps and games in the App Store, you may have seen Privacy Nutrition Labels that tell you how the app uses your data. Now, something similar is coming for accessibility.

Accessibility Nutrition Labels are new in iOS 26. Included in app listings, they offer a way to inform users which accessibility features are supported by the app.

Here are the full details:

These labels give users a new way to learn if an app will be accessible to them before they download it, and give developers the opportunity to better inform and educate their users on features their app supports. This includes VoiceOver, Voice Control, Larger Text, Sufficient Contrast, Reduced Motion, captions, and more. Accessibility Nutrition Labels will be available on the App Store worldwide, and developers can access more guidance on the criteria apps should meet before displaying accessibility information on their product pages.

Here’s hoping Accessibility Nutrition Labels serve as fresh motivation for apps to improve their accessibility.

#3: Expanded, more granular age ratings

If you’re a parent looking for apps and games appropriate for your child, the App Store will make that easier in iOS 26.

While age ratings have long been included for apps, they’ve until now been limited to two options: 4+ and 9+.

In iOS 26, App Store listings now include three more age ratings: 13+, 16+, and 18+.

The expanded set of five age ratings should make it easier for parents to make informed app decisions for their kids. Age ratings will tie into existing parental tools such as Screen Time and Ask to Buy.

What new features do you want to see in the App Store? Let us know in the comments.

Best iPhone accessories

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Ryan Christoffel Ryan Christoffel

Ryan got his start in journalism as an Editor at MacStories, where he worked for four years covering Apple news, writing app reviews, and more. For two years he co-hosted the Adapt podcast on Relay FM, which focused entirely on the iPad. As a result, it should come as no surprise that his favorite Apple device is the iPad Pro.