Apple’s Secure Measures: Ensuring Compliance with Texas’ Age Verification Law on iPhones

In response to new Texas regulations, Apple has revealed plans to enforce age verification requirements on its app store starting January 1st, 2026. Individuals creating a new Apple Account will be prompted to confirm if they are over 18 years old, while users under 18 must join a Family Sharing group. Additionally, parental consent will be necessary for users under 18 to download apps or make in-app purchases.

To assist developers in adhering to the law, Apple offers a Declared Age Range API for users to specify their age group. This API will be updated to include the mandatory age categories for new account holders in Texas. Furthermore, Apple will introduce new APIs later this year that allow developers to prompt users for renewed parental consent when significant app changes occur.

Similar age verification laws have been passed in Utah and Louisiana, with Apple confirming that comparable requirements will be implemented in those states next year. Google has also provided guidance for Google Play developers in preparation for the upcoming regulations.

While Apple is complying with the new laws, CEO Tim Cook has expressed concerns about Texas’ SB2420 bill, citing potential privacy issues. Apple emphasizes the importance of enhancing online safety for children but questions the collection of sensitive personal information for all app downloads, even for basic functions like checking the weather or sports scores.