Developers producing iOS and iPadOS apps will have to abide by a Texas law that forces user age verification on the App Store. Apple has a new API to help developers comply.

In a notice to developers on October 8, Apple warns that a new state law in Texas will be enforceable from January 1, 2026.

Referred to as SB 2420, it is a bill that enforces age verification requirements on the digital storefronts like the App Store. The law applies to developers creating apps that will be distributed in Texas.

Under the bill, App Stores must verify the user's age. If they're under the age of 18, they must be under the control of a parent or guardian.

Furthermore, parents and guardians must be able to provide consent for downloads, app purchases, and transactions.

To accomplish this, users in Texas who create a new Apple Account will have to confirm their age. Those under the age of 18 will have to join a Family Sharing group.

For developers, Apple warns that they will need to modify apps to meet the obligations. Doing so should also help with future requirements coming in Utah and Louisiana.

Texas passed the age verification law in May, despite attempts by Apple and CEO Tim Cook to argue that the bill was a bad idea.

Privacy impacts

Apple admits that strengthening child safety online is a shared goal, it is also concerned about the privacy implications. Specifically by the collection of "sensitive, personally identifiable information" to download any app.

To try and help developers meet the new obligations while preserving privacy, Apple introduces the Declared Age Range API as one implementable fix. The API will be updated to match the required age categories for Texas in the coming months.

New APIs will also be launching later in 2025 to help developers to invoke a system-level event to re-request parental consent, if a significant change is made to the app. Parents will also be able to revoke consent to use the app.

More details about the changes, including technical documentation, will be arriving later in the fall of 2025.