iOS 27.2 adds selfie-based age verification feature
iOS 27.2 adds an option to verify age using a selfie; the age estimation model evaluates the facial image to determine whether the user is an adult. The feature is not available in all regions and applies to regions with age verification requirements, such as Australia, Brazil, Singapore, South Korea, the UK, and Texas in the US. Apple says the model runs on-device and on Private Cloud Compute, the selfie is not made available to anyone, and it is deleted immediately after verification is complete and is not retained in any form.
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iOS 27.2 is here, and it introduces a new feature for age verification using a selfie. Here are the details.
Apple offers new, privacy-focused way to verify your age in iOS 27.2
An increasing number of territories around the world now require iPhone age verification in certain scenarios, such as when creating an Apple Account, updating your software, downloading apps, or changing select settings.
Per Apple, these requirements may apply to users in Australia, Brazil, Singapore, South Korea, the UK, and also the United States (Texas).
While iOS already offered other methods of age verification, such as using a credit card or scanning your ID, iOS 27.2 adds a new option: taking a selfie.
Per a new support document, Apple says:
In some states, countries, or regions, you might be asked to confirm that you’re an adult before you can take certain actions on your Apple Account. One way to confirm that you’re an adult is to take a selfie. An age-estimation model will then evaluate the images of your face.
The selfie option isn’t available in all regions, but if you’re asked to confirm you’re an adult, you might see the option to use a selfie.
Here’s how it works per Apple’s instructions:
Hold your device in front of you and center your face in the frame.
Capture all four angles of your face by moving your head slowly right, left, up, and down. Follow the onscreen guidance to complete confirmation. It might take a moment to estimate your age.
Apple says your privacy is protected by its age-estimation models running both on-device and on Private Cloud Compute. The selfie “isn’t accessible to anyone, not even Apple.” And after your age has been confirmed, the selfie is deleted immediately and “isn’t retained in any form.”
Have you ever had to perform age verification on your iPhone? How did the process go? Let us know in the comments.
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