The iOS 27.2 selfie age verification option lets adults prove they are 18 or older with a quick face scan, but only in the UK, Australia, Brazil and Singapore. Texas is the only US state on Apple’s age-check list, and the selfie is not offered there. Apple has not said whether it will reach Texas or any other state.
The option needs iOS or iPadOS 27.2 or later and appears when Apple asks you to confirm you are an adult. That prompt can come up when you create a new Apple Account, update your software, change certain safety settings or try to download an app rated 18+. If you skip it, you can keep using your device, but you cannot turn off certain safety settings or download 18+ apps until you confirm.
iOS 27.2 selfie age verification skips Texas
The selfie is offered in Australia, Brazil, Singapore and the UK only. In Texas you confirm with a credit card in your name, a passport scan, a driver’s license or another government ID. South Korea also has an age requirement, and the selfie is not available there either.
Texas is on the list because of its App Store Accountability Act, which took effect for new Apple Accounts on June 4, 2026. Apple checks existing accounts first, including whether a card is on file and how long the account has existed. People under 18 may have to join a Family Sharing group with an adult who has already confirmed their age.
Debit cards and gift cards do not count in any region, so a credit card has to be one that belongs to you. A Digital ID in Apple Wallet made from a US passport works everywhere and can stand in for a physical scan.
The selfie check takes four head movements
Tap Get Started when the selfie option appears, hold the iPhone or iPad in front of you and center your face in the frame. Move your head slowly right, left, up and down to capture all four angles, following the onscreen guidance. It can take a moment to estimate your age, and Accessibility Options offers spoken instructions or reduced directions.
Indoor light works best, and masks, hats and sunglasses have to come off with only your face in the frame. If the scan does not confirm your age, check that the device is online and try again, or switch to a card or ID. If you are asked on a Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV or Apple Vision Pro, finish the check on an iPhone or iPad.
You only confirm once, and you can check your status under Settings, your name, Personal Information, then Age Confirmation. If you decline, the Settings app shows a message where you can confirm later.
Apple deletes the selfie once your age is confirmed
The age-estimation models run on the device and on Private Cloud Compute, and the results are combined on the device. Apple says nobody can access the selfie during that analysis, Apple included, and that it is deleted once your age is confirmed.
An ID scan follows a different rule, since Apple and its service providers keep the image for a short period to complete the check and prevent fraud. A credit card used for the check is not stored unless you choose to add it as a payment method.
