Apple has started applying fresh age verification steps for App Store accounts in Texas after a court ruling allowed a new state law on app stores to move forward. The adjustments impact fresh account sign ups, add guardian consent steps for those under 18, and place extra duties on app makers. The firm based in Cupertino has also shared a collection of resources and systems that developers need to use for compliance. This update comes after a period of legal questions about the rules and when they would apply.

Texas Statute Requires Age Verification on the App Store

An announcement on the Apple Developer site explains that new accounts opened in Texas now follow the rules of SB 2420. The firm noted the updates began on June 4 once the court cleared enforcement of the measure.

People creating new Apple Accounts in Texas must supply details about their age during signup. Those under 18 will need a parent or guardian to approve app downloads, in app purchases, and some account changes. Adults who manage accounts for minors can also revoke earlier approvals at any time.

The requirements apply to developers too. Apple explained that makers can retrieve age range details through the Declared Age Range API and apply the Significant Change API in the PermissionKit framework when changes need fresh guardian sign off.

Developers must also judge which app updates call for renewed parent or guardian approval. The company added a notification setup that informs developers when an approved adult withdraws consent for an app used by a child or teen.

Apple has directed developers to integrate several new resources such as the Declared Age Range API, the Significant Change API, an updated age rating property in StoreKit, and App Store server notifications. The firm recommends testing these features in its development environment ahead of any public release.

The Texas App Store Accountability Act had been set to begin on January 1, 2026. Apple had shared earlier plans to adjust its systems for the law before court action paused enforcement.

SB 2420 assigns age verification duties to operators of app marketplaces and adds extra oversight steps for users under 18. The statute also requires developers to enable the consent and alert processes needed for compliance.

Apple has opposed age verification rules in Texas and other states. The company has stated that these steps might force firms to gather more personal user data and could affect privacy protections.