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Apple on Thursday outlined how it plans to comply with a new Texas law, SB 2420, which introduces strict age assurance requirements for app stores and app developers.
While Apple had already begun rolling out its own age verification tools earlier this year in anticipation of regulatory changes, the company voiced significant privacy concerns regarding the Texas legislation.
In a statement to developers, Apple said, “…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.”
The Texas law is part of a growing wave of state-level regulations across the United States. These laws have emerged as individual states step in where federal lawmakers have failed to enact comprehensive online protections for minors. Though the goals are similar—to safeguard children online—the methods differ widely between states.
While Apple has the resources to comply with such mandates, smaller app developers may struggle. The company noted that its new tools are intended to help those developers meet legal requirements. Some smaller startups are already feeling the impact; for example, social media platform Bluesky recently blocked its service in Mississippi, explaining it lacked the resources to comply with similar state laws.
When SB 2420 takes effect on January 1, 2026, Apple will be required to confirm whether Texas-based users are at least 18 years old. Users under 18 will need to join a Family Sharing group managed by a parent or guardian. Parents will have to give consent for all App Store downloads, purchases, and transactions through Apple’s existing in-app purchase system.
To align with the new requirements, Apple said it will enable developers to determine user age “in a privacy-preserving way.” Developers can currently use the company’s Declared Age Range API, which will be updated before the law’s effective date to include new age categories for users in Texas.
Apple also announced it will introduce new APIs later this year that allow developers to request parental consent if they make major changes to an app that alter its age rating. Parents will be able to revoke consent at any time if they decide an app is no longer appropriate for their child.
The company even acknowledged the potential household dynamics such tools could create, joking that “we can imagine this being used as a new punishment technique; no Instagram for a month!”
Apple also cautioned developers that similar age assurance laws are scheduled to take effect soon in Utah and Louisiana, urging them to prepare for additional compliance requirements.
