Apple Declared Age Range API ships with iOS 26

Apple’s Declared Age Range framework lets apps request that people share an age range (not an exact birthdate) so developers can tailor age-appropriate experiences while preserving privacy. Apps specify age gates (thresholds such as 13, 16 or 18); the system returns the span the person falls into, plus declaration-source information when available. For children in a Family Sharing group, a parent, guardian or Family Organizer decides whether to always share, ask each time, or never share age information. Apps enable the Declared Age Range capability so Xcode adds the com.apple.developer.declared-age-range entitlement.

Platform timing and compliance posture

Apple’s Age assurance developer Q&A ties Declared Age Range capabilities to iOS 26 / iPadOS 26 SDK families, with later 26.2+ notes for regional assurance features and additional declaration methods. In regions where law requires it, Apple may share age categories defined by law; elsewhere, sharing depends on user/parent choice via Age Range for Apps. Apple’s documentation states developers remain responsible for their own age restrictions and for complying with COPPA, GDPR and other laws. Declared Age Range data may be self-declared or confirmed by methods such as payment or government ID; Apple disclaims that developers are solely responsible for legal compliance.

Operator action

Treat WWDC session materials as complementary; use current Apple documentation for API contracts. Pair with Texas SB 2420 and similar state notices when the API is used for regulated markets.

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Research checked 20 September 2026. Local draft; human editorial review pending.