Share age group with apps and better filter content

Age plays an important role in everyday use of iPhones, iPads, and Macs because it helps apps better assess which content is appropriate and safe to display. Apple provides the Age Rating feature for apps to help tailor content and features to specific age groups without revealing personal data.

Digital content varies greatly depending on the age group. For apps to function effectively, they sometimes need information about the age range associated with the Apple account. Age Group for Apps provides precisely this information without revealing the exact age or date of birth. It can be managed directly in Settings and can also be customized for children and teenagers in a Family Sharing setup.

What age group is for apps

Age Group for Apps describes a feature that apps can use, with permission, to access the age group stored in the Apple account. This allows apps to provide features, recommendations, and restrictions tailored to the respective age range. Sharing is voluntary. Even if granted, the date of birth and actual age remain hidden. It's possible to choose at any time whether the age group should always be shared, requested each time, or never shared. A device running the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS is required.

Manage age group in your own account

The settings for your own age group are located directly in your Apple account:

• Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad, or System Preferences on your Mac.
• Choose your own name.
• Open personal data and select age group for apps.
• Under "Share with apps", specify whether apps always have access or must ask first.

This controls how apps will be allowed to access this age group in the future.

Set age group for children and teenagers in Family Sharing

Whoever manages Family Sharing or is a parent or guardian can adjust the age group of children or teenagers:

• Open settings or system settings.
• Select family and open the desired child account.
• Open your Apple account and password, and select the age group for apps.
• Under "Share with apps" you can specify whether apps always have access to the age group or whether permission is requested first.

When "Ask first" is enabled, children and young people can decide for themselves whether to share their age group when making an app request.

View apps that have accessed this age group

Apple transparently displays which apps have requested or received access to age ratings. For your own account:

• Open settings or system settings.
• Choose your own name.
• Open personal data and select age group for apps.

All apps that have requested access will appear there. The status "Shared" indicates that an app has already accessed the age group. "Not shared" means that a request was denied. Tapping on an app displays details such as the last request date. If the age group has changed in the meantime, or access was previously denied, you can select "Share age group again." The next time the app is launched, a new request will be made.

For children and teenagers in the family release:

The process is identical, but takes place via the respective child's account. All requests and access attempts are displayed here as well. "Shared" indicates granted access, "Not shared" indicates a denied request. If the age range has changed or sharing was previously denied, "Share with age group again" can also be selected. The affected app will then request access again the next time it is opened.

Why managing the age group makes sense

A correctly set age group ensures that apps display appropriate content and that protective features work more reliably. At the same time, privacy is fully protected, as sensitive data is not transmitted. The settings can be reviewed and adjusted at any time, both for your own account and for children and teenagers.

Age group benefits for apps

Age grouping for apps supports the safe and responsible use of digital content. This feature combines clear control, transparent management, and the protection of personal data. With flexible permissions and precise settings, age grouping becomes a practical tool for managing apps on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / DenPhotos)

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FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the age group for apps

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