( WIRED ) -- In an effort to streamline and simplify the maturity ratings of software in mobile app stores , CTIA , the international wireless industry association , yesterday proposed a ratings system that store owners could voluntarily adopt . Google and Apple basically told the CTIA to stuff it -- they 're sticking with their own rating schemes . `` We 've put a lot of effort into Android Market 's rating system , which now works well globally , '' Google spokesman Christopher Katsaros said in a statement . `` While we support other systems , we think it 's best for Android users and developers to stick with Android 's existing ratings . '' Apple , too , has outlined its app review guidelines in extensive detail , but has not publicly commented on the CTIA app rating issue . In the Android Market , Google assigns content ratings that range from `` Everyone '' to `` Low Maturity '' to `` High Maturity , '' but provides no details on the specific content that inspired its ratings . However , outlines for the ratings are provided in Google 's Android Market support forum . In its App Store , Apple provides an age rating ranging from 4+ to 17+ , and lists the reasons for assigning its maturity rating . For instance Plants vs Zombies received a 9+ rating for Infrequent/Mild Horror/Fear Themes and Infrequent/Mild Cartoon or Fantasy Violence . The CTIA 's guidelines aim to score smartphone and tablet apps on a five-point scale based on their violence and sexual content . The ratings , which would be controlled by the Entertainment Software Rating Board ( which also controls computer and videogame maturity ratings ) would range from `` Everyone '' to `` Adults Only . '' Apple 's App Store alone has more than half a million apps and Android is getting close to that number with at least 300,000 . CTIA announced it would be developing its app rating system in March . The initiative would call for `` voluntary self-certification of apps . '' The system would make it easier for parents to see -- regardless of mobile platform -- if an app was appropriate for their child . The mobile application rating system was officially announced on Tuesday . AT & T , Sprint , Verizon Wireless , T-Mobile USA , U.S. Cellular and Microsoft are the founding bodies of the age-appropriateness rating system . It works like this : App developers answer an online questionnaire about their app 's content , including whether it shares location information , has a social networking component , and if it contains violence or sexual content , among other things . Apps would receive their rating almost instantaneously , and if a developer disagreed with the assigned rating , it could appeal it . The ESRB would regularly test popular applications and monitor complaints . Subscribe to WIRED magazine for less than $ 1 an issue and get a FREE GIFT ! Click here ! Copyright 2011 Wired.com .
CTIA proposes an app rating system to streamline maturity ratings . The idea is that the more mature a product, the higher its rating. In its App Store , Apple provides an age rating ranging from 4+ to 17+ .