JERSEY ID is not accepted by Apple after the iOS 26.4 update - is this the thin edge of the wedge?

IPHONE users in Jersey and Guernsey are facing unexpected access issues after an Apple update introduced age checks that do not accept Channel Islands ID.

Telecoms provider JT explained

• That the iOS 26.4 update introduced a new age verification step that requires a UK-issued credit card or national ID to confirm the user is over 18.
• “Unfortunately, Channel Islands documents – including local driving licences, passports, and CI identity cards – aren’t being accepted right now,”
• “This is due to UK law changes that don’t apply in the Channel Islands.”
• “This is an Apple software issue, and Apple has been contacted.
• “At the moment, only UK-issued ID or credit cards work for age verification. A fix is likely to come in a future update.”

The telecoms firm noted

• That this was preventing access to some features, such as content and privacy restrictions, and
• Added that those who had not installed the update yet “may want to hold off for now until Apple resolves the issue”.

WHAT WAS NOT COVERED IN THE JEP ARE SOME OTHER ISSUES

Jersey-based users sometimes face issues due to:

1. Geo‑location mismatches - Fintech apps like Revolut, Monzo, and others may treat the Channel Islands as non‑UK for regulatory or licensing reasons.
2. KYC / AML data-source checks -  Some ID providers (e.g., GBG, Onfido) do not always support Channel Islands-issued identification, causing onboarding blocks.
3. App-side changes — not iOS - Fintechs sometimes update:

• Their risk models
• Fraud-prevention triggers
• Permitted jurisdictions lists

These can cause sudden access issues that users mistakenly attribute to iOS updates.

4. VPN or IP reputation issues - Some fintechs block login when traffic appears offshore or via flagged IP ranges.

END

Source

• JEP
• https://app.jerseyeveningpost.com/island-id-not-accepted-by-apple-after-update/content.html
• LinkedIn – App‑Store Restrictions Affecting Crown Dependencies (Lee Birkett)
• https://www.linkedin.com/posts/leebirkett_globalp2p-moneybrain-bips-activity-7425874116030722048-YXLI [blogs.vmware.com]
• Bailiwick Express – Digital Identity Verification System in Jersey
• https://www.bailiwickexpress.com/jsy/business/local-fintech-company-launches-digital-identity-verification-solution/?cpage=16