Pornhub Restores Access for UK iOS Users After Apple's New Age-Verification Rollout

TL;DR: Pornhub will restore access for UK iOS users who have confirmed their age through Apple’s iOS 26.4 update, reversing a traffic drop of more than 75% after stricter age verification took effect in October 2025.

Context: In February 2025, Pornhub limited UK access to only previously registered, age‑verified users, citing uneven application of the Online Safety Act’s age‑check rules. The site later blocked new UK users entirely, showing a “safe for work” placeholder instead of explicit content. Apple’s iOS 26.4, released in March, introduced device‑based age verification for UK iPhone and iPad users, checking account age, payment data, or ID documents directly on the device.

Key Facts: Alex Kekesi, head of community and brand at Aylo, said iOS 26.4 is “the world’s first device‑based age verification solution for UK users, a major step toward a global solution that stands to better protect children.” Pornhub reported that UK user traffic fell over 75% after stricter age‑verification measures were introduced in October 2025. Aylo announced that UK iOS users who have verified their age via the latest iOS version can now regain access to Pornhub.

What It Means: The change aligns Pornhub’s access policy with Apple’s voluntary age‑check system, which Ofcom has praised as a “real win” for child safety online. Users without a credit card, driver’s licence, or passport may still face barriers, as Apple recently expanded accepted documents to include passports. Regulators will monitor whether the device‑level checks meet effectiveness standards under the Online Safety Act.

What to watch next: Whether Ofcom will require additional proof of effectiveness from sites using Apple’s system and how other platforms respond to the evolving age‑verification landscape.