Apple’s New App Rules for Texas Users
▼ Summary
– A new Texas law (SB2420) will require age verification for app downloads starting January 1, 2026, prompting Apple to implement changes for Texas users.
– Developers must adopt new capabilities and modify their apps to comply with the law, including using Apple’s Declared Age Range API and other upcoming APIs.
– Apple introduced the Declared Age Range API as part of iOS 26 family tools to share age ranges with apps privately, avoiding the need for exact birth dates.
A new Texas law is set to reshape how Apple users in the state access and download applications, introducing mandatory age verification measures aimed at enhancing online safety for minors. Apple has announced specific updates to its App Store policies that will take effect in response to Texas Senate Bill 2420, which mandates age assurance protocols for digital marketplaces and developers. While Apple supports the objective of protecting children online, the company has voiced reservations about the privacy implications of collecting sensitive personal information for even the most basic app downloads.
Starting January 1, 2026, any individual creating a new Apple Account in Texas will be prompted to confirm they are at least 18 years old. Should the user identify as a minor, they must join a Family Sharing group, ensuring that a parent or guardian grants approval for all downloads, purchases, and related activities. This system enforces adult supervision over accounts held by younger users, leveraging Apple’s existing family management tools.
Developers are also affected by the incoming regulations. They must integrate new technical capabilities and adjust app functionalities to comply with the law. To support this transition, Apple is rolling out several developer resources, including the Declared Age Range API, which allows apps to receive a user’s age category without exposing exact birth dates. Additional APIs scheduled for release later this year will let apps trigger a parental consent request whenever significant changes are made to an application.
These modifications apply exclusively to Texas residents due to the state-specific nature of SB2420. However, Apple has indicated that comparable rules will be implemented in Utah and Louisiana later in 2026, following legislation passed in those states. Interestingly, Apple recently previewed several family-focused features for its upcoming iOS 26 update, including the Declared Age Range API, designed to help apps gather age information while preserving user privacy.
For those interested in related Apple ecosystem enhancements, a variety of iPhone accessories are available to complement the user experience.
(Source: 9to5 Mac)
