Apple Announces Texas Age Verification Plan, Requiring Parental Approval for All App Downloads Starting 2026

Beginning in 2026, the state of Texas will officially enforce a new age verification law targeting app stores, requiring platforms to confirm users are at least 18 years old before allowing any app downloads. In response, Apple has publicly outlined its compliance measures for the App Store and revealed that developers will also need to adjust how their applications operate to meet local legal requirements.

According to Apple, starting January 1, 2026, all new Apple IDs created in Texas will be subject to mandatory age verification. Users under 18 will be required to link their accounts to a parent or guardian through the Family Sharing feature. From that point onward, all downloads, in-app purchases, and transactions will require explicit approval from the parent or guardian before completion.

While Apple has not yet disclosed the specific verification mechanism, it emphasized that developers must align app behavior with new age-based restrictions and parental authorization processes. To support compliance, Apple will introduce a suite of developer APIs, including the already available Declared Age Range API, which allows developers to adjust app functionality based on a user’s verified age category.

Additionally, Apple plans to launch new APIs enabling apps to prompt renewed parental consent whenever major feature changes occur. Parents will also retain the ability to revoke a child’s app authorization at any time.

The company announced that comprehensive technical documentation and updates will be released in the fall, guiding developers in adhering to Texas Senate Bill 2420 (SB2420) — legislation that mandates age verification on app stores and digital platforms to enhance online child safety.

However, Apple has previously opposed the measure. CEO Tim Cook personally lobbied Texas Governor Greg Abbott to veto the bill, though the effort ultimately failed to gain traction.

In its latest developer notice, Apple reiterated support for the goal of strengthening online child protections but voiced concern over the bill’s privacy implications, stating:

“SB2420 impacts the privacy of users by requiring the collection of sensitive, personally identifiable information to download any app, even if a user simply wants to check the weather or sports scores.”

Texas is the first U.S. state to implement age verification requirements for app stores, while Utah and Louisiana have passed similar laws slated to take effect in 2026. The trend signals a broader nationwide shift, with more states likely to impose stricter youth protection responsibilities on tech companies. As a result, Apple, Google, and other platform providers may soon be forced to restructure their global account and download systems to comply with this emerging regulatory landscape.

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