After a lengthy ban, iPhone and iPad users in the UK can once again access popular adult websites. This change comes following a recent iOS update that requires users to verify their age. The parent company of Pornhub, Aylo, announced the reopening specifically for Apple device users in the region.

New iOS Update and Age Verification Requirements

The update, iOS 26.4, rolled out in the UK, introduces a mandatory age verification process for mobile users. Apple now requires users to confirm their age using methods like credit cards, passports, driver’s licenses, or PASS-accredited proof-of-age cards. This process is automatically enforced through web filters and safety tools to restrict access for children and unverified adults.

Previously, UK users visiting Aylo’s sites, including Pornhub, RedTube, and YouPorn, had to verify their age by uploading IDs or using an age estimation system. However, the new OS update has temporarily lifted those restrictions for iPhone and iPad users, allowing them to browse adult content again.

Background on the UK Ban and Industry Response

Back in January, Aylo announced that starting February 2, UK visitors would be blocked from accessing its sites due to the country’s Online Safety Act. The law requires adult sites to implement strict age verification, often involving government-issued IDs or credit card checks, which many industry players consider invasive and ineffective.

Before the law’s enforcement, users in the UK could verify their age using various methods, but the restrictions soon led to millions being locked out of major adult platforms. Aylo and its partners criticized the law, calling it a failure, and expressed concerns about pushing people towards unregulated, potentially harmful sites.

This move also sparked debates about privacy and free speech, as experts argue that site-based verification often fails at stopping minors and can hinder legal adult entertainment. The adult industry has long advocated for device-based verification and parental controls, which are already available on most devices but remain controversial among free speech advocates.

Industry and Technology Perspectives

In response to the restrictions, Aylo has pushed tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft to support device-level age verification. They believe this approach is more effective and less invasive than site-based checks. In late 2025, Aylo sent letters urging these companies to incorporate better age verification tools into their platforms.

After the recent OS update, industry leaders expressed optimism about the potential for device-based solutions. Aylo’s VP of Brand and Community highlighted that Apple’s new system is a positive step forward. Yet, users on non-Apple devices, such as Android or Windows, still face restrictions in the UK, as the new verification measures are specific to Apple’s ecosystem.

Overall, this development marks a shift in how adult content is accessed online in the UK. While restrictions remain for some platforms and devices, the recent update offers a glimpse into possible future solutions that balance privacy, safety, and free access.

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