Apple has begun outlining the necessary changes to the App Store for users and developers in Texas, in order to comply with the state’s recently passed App Store Accountability Act (SB2420). These new age assurance requirements are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
The legislation, which mandates age verification for app marketplace users, applies to app stores operating in Texas. Utah and Louisiana have also passed similar age verification laws that are scheduled to take effect later in 2026.
Changes for Texas Users
Beginning next year, any individual creating a new Apple Account in Texas will be required to confirm whether they are 18 years of age or older.
For users who are minors (under 18), the following requirements will apply:
- The minor’s account will be required to join a Family Sharing group.
- The associated parent or guardian will need to provide consent for all App Store downloads, app purchases, and in-app transactions.
The Texas law defines four age categories for users: “child” (under 13), “younger teenager” (13-15), “older teenager” (16-17), and “adult” (18+).
Developer Tools and Privacy Concerns
To help app developers comply with the new law in a way that respects user privacy, Apple plans to update and release new tools.
- The existing Declared Age Range API will be updated to provide the required age categories for new Texas account users. Apple notes that this API helps apps confirm the user’s age range without requiring them to hand over a specific date of birth, preserving privacy.
- New APIs are slated to launch later this year that will allow developers to trigger a system-level prompt if a major change is made to their app, requiring the user to request parental consent to be re-obtained.
- The new system will also allow parents to revoke consent for a minor’s continued use of an app.
Apple has been a vocal opponent of laws like SB2420, with CEO Tim Cook having personally urged Texas Governor Greg Abbott to veto the bill. The company has expressed concern that the broad requirements of the act compromise user privacy.
In a statement, Apple maintained that while it shares the goal of protecting children online, SB2420 mandates the collection of sensitive, personally identifiable information for all users to download any app, which the company views as undermining user privacy. The company intends to continue providing tools to enhance child safety while working within the constraints of the new legislation.
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