Apple introduces selfie-based age verification in iOS 27.2

iOS 27.2 is here, and it introduces a new feature for age verification using a selfie ^[1].

Key facts * Apple offers a privacy-focused method to verify age in iOS 27.2 ^[1]. * Users may be asked to provide a selfie to confirm they are adults in specific territories ^[1]. * Age-estimation models evaluate the images of a user's face to confirm their status ^[1]. * The selfie is deleted immediately after confirmation and is not retained in any form ^[1].

Why is this feature being introduced? An increasing number of territories around the world now require iPhone age verification in certain scenarios ^[1]. These scenarios include creating an Apple Account, updating software, downloading apps, or changing select settings ^[1]. In some states, countries, or regions, users might be asked to confirm they are an adult before taking certain actions on an Apple Account ^[1].

How does the selfie verification work? One way to confirm that a user is an adult is to take a selfie ^[1]. An age-estimation model will then evaluate the images of the user's face ^[1]. The selfie option is not available in all regions, but it may appear if a user is asked to confirm they are an adult ^[1].

Is the selfie data kept by Apple? Apple says privacy is protected by age-estimation models running both on-device and on Private Cloud Compute ^[1]. The selfie "isn’t accessible to anyone, not even Apple" ^[1]. After the age has been confirmed, the selfie is deleted immediately and "isn’t retained in any form" ^[1].

Where can users find this feature? Users might see the option to use a selfie if they are asked to confirm they are an adult ^[1]. This verification process applies to specific actions on an Apple Account within the iOS 27.2 update ^[1].