Between January 16 and January 31, 2026, Oracle released MySQL 8.4.8, 9.6.0 and 8.0.45 in its January quarterly update, including an authentication fix, and Apple's deadline to answer the updated App Store age rating questions arrived on January 31. Here is what shipped and what it means for your WordPress site and app.
Below is a quick summary table, then a section for each release covering what shipped, what it means for you, how we use it in WordPress builds, what it means for mobile apps and what to do next.
At a glance
| Release | Date | Type | Who should care | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MySQL 8.4.8, 9.6.0 and 8.0.45 | Jan 20 | Security | Sites on MySQL | Apply 8.4.8 or later |
| Age rating questions deadline | Jan 31 | Deadline | Every iOS app owner | Answer the questionnaire |
MySQL 8.4.8 Fixes an Authentication Issue in the January 2026 Quarterly Release
What shipped
Oracle shipped its January 2026 MySQL releases on January 20, 2026. From the 8.4.8 release notes:
- MySQL 8.4.8, 9.6.0 and 8.0.45 were released January 20, 2026.
- The 8.4.8 release notes list a security fix for an issue relating to authentication (Bug #118447).
- 8.4.8 bundles OpenSSL 3.0.18.
What it means for you
The authentication fix and the newer bundled OpenSSL are the reasons to update.
How we use it in WordPress builds
WordPress logs in to MySQL as a single database user on every request, so an authentication fix sits directly in the path of every page load and checkout. We apply it on the 8.4 LTS line the site already runs.
What it means for mobile apps
Apps reach the database only through WordPress and the REST API. No app change is needed.
What to do next
Ask your host which MySQL version runs your database, and plan an update to 8.4.8 or later on the 8.4 LTS line. Our WordPress security and hosting service keeps database servers current.
App Store Connect Age Rating Questions Were Due by January 31, 2026
What shipped
Apple set January 31, 2026 as the date to answer the new age rating questionnaire in App Store Connect. What the change covers:
- Apple asked developers to answer the updated age rating questions for each app by January 31, 2026 to avoid an interruption when submitting updates.
- The updated system adds 13+, 16+ and 18+ to the existing 4+ and 9+ ratings.
- New required questions cover in app controls, capabilities, medical or wellness topics and violent themes.
- Developers can set a higher rating than Apple assigns if the app requires a higher minimum age.
- Apple first announced the change on July 24, 2025.
What it means for you
An app with unanswered questions could not submit an update after the deadline. That matters most when an urgent fix is waiting.
How we use it in WordPress builds
If the app shows WordPress content such as comments, forums or member posts, the answers have to reflect that content, not only the native screens.
What it means for mobile apps
For AppPresser apps, we answer the questionnaire for the app as a whole, including any WordPress pages loaded inside it. AI chat features count too, since Apple asks developers to consider how chatbot features affect sensitive content.
What to do next
Open App Information in App Store Connect and confirm the age rating questions show as complete for every app you own. Our custom mobile app team can handle this as part of an app update.
How AlphaWeb handles updates for you
Platform releases like these rarely change WordPress itself, but they change the servers, databases and app stores your site and app depend on. Our support and maintenance plans cover tested updates on staging first, then in production, and our WordPress security and hosting service keeps PHP, web servers and databases current.
Request a custom development quote, or tell us about your project through our Mission Brief.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to apps that missed the January 31 age rating deadline?
Apple said unanswered questions would interrupt submitting app updates. Once the questions are answered in App Store Connect, submissions can continue.
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