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Apple Introduces Declared Age Range API and Expanded Parental Controls in iOS 26

Launching this fall on Apple’s devices, the update shares children’s age ranges with apps, requiring parental approval for new contacts.

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Overview

  • The new Declared Age Range API lets developers request a child’s age bracket instead of an exact birthdate, with parents choosing to share information always, per request or never.
  • iOS 26 streamlines Child Account setup by applying stronger default safety settings immediately and prompting parents to confirm their child’s birthdate.
  • Teens aged 13 to 17 will receive built-in web content filtering and Communication Safety protections by default, even without a formal Child Account.
  • By year-end, the App Store will adopt five age tiers—including 13+, 16+ and 18+—that integrate directly into Screen Time limits and Ask to Buy.
  • A unified permission flow in Messages and supported third-party apps uses Apple’s PermissionKit framework to require parental OK before children can contact new numbers.