Starting January 1, 2026, Apple will implement new age verification protocols for App Store users in Texas in response to state law SB2420.
While aimed at strengthening protections for minors online, Apple warns that the legislation may compromise user privacy by mandating the collection of sensitive personal information for all app downloads, including basic utilities such as weather or sports apps.
“While we share the goal of strengthening kids' online safety, we are concerned that 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,” Apple stated.
SB2420 introduces sweeping requirements for app marketplaces and developers to verify user age and obtain parental consent for minors. The law requires companies to implement stricter age verification processes that apply universally, not just to apps specifically targeted at children. Apple disclosed its concerns in a public announcement on October 8, noting that the law could erode user privacy by forcing unnecessary identification checks across the board.
Apple will comply with the regulation by requiring users in Texas who create new Apple IDs to confirm whether they are 18 years of age or older. Users under 18 will be obligated to join a Family Sharing group, where a parent or guardian must explicitly approve all App Store downloads and transactions made through Apple's in-app purchase system. The policy will apply statewide and affect all app categories, not just games or social media platforms. Similar mandates are expected to roll out in Utah and Louisiana later in 2026, indicating a broader trend of age verification laws at the state level.
The new requirements will have direct implications for developers as well. Apple has introduced a toolset to help developers adapt, beginning with the Declared Age Range API, which is already available and will be updated to provide age category data for new users in Texas. Later this year, Apple plans to launch additional APIs enabling developers to detect significant app changes, such as feature updates or new content types, and trigger a system-level prompt to re-request parental consent when necessary.
These technical updates will also enable parents to revoke previously granted permissions, providing them with greater oversight over their child's app usage. Apple emphasized that these capabilities are designed to help developers remain compliant while minimizing additional data collection and preserving user privacy where possible.
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