Apple explains how it will comply with Texas SB2420 (App Store age-verification)

Summary:

• Effective Jan 1, 2026, new Apple accounts created in Texas must verify that the user is 18 or older.
• Accounts for users under 18 must be linked to a parent or guardian via Family Sharing; parents must approve downloads, in‑app purchases and other transactions.
• Apple is introducing developer-facing tools: the Declared Age Range API (available now) and additional APIs later this year to handle parental consent re‑requests and consent revocation.
• Apple opposes the law’s approach, warning it could force collection of sensitive personal data and harm user privacy.

What developers need to know

Apple says developers will need to update apps to integrate parental consent flows and age-restricted features. The Declared Age Range API is available now and will be updated to provide Texas-specific categories; more technical documentation will be published this fall.

Legal context

The law (SB2420) requires app stores and developers to implement commercially reasonable age-verification methods and parental consent for minors under 18. Utah and Louisiana have passed similar measures that will also take effect in 2026.

Sources

• Apple developer note (Oct 8, 2025): Apple — New requirements for apps available in Texas
• Texas SB2420 (law text): SB2420 (PDF) — Texas Legislature

Questions to consider

Will age verification and parental controls better protect kids online, or will the required data collection create new privacy risks? Share your thoughts below.

Published: Oct 8, 2025