### Apple Faces New Challenges with Texas Age Verification Law Apple is adapting to Texas' new App Store Accountability Act, which mandates age verification for users of certain apps, including weather and sports applications. This law, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, requires users in Texas to confirm they are 18 or older when creating an Apple account. If users are under 18, they will need parental approval to download apps. Both Apple and Google have expressed concerns about potential privacy risks but have committed to compliance with the law [https://tech.yahoo.com/ai/apple-intelligence/articles/apple-says-texas-law-means-210510894.html][https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/texass-age-verification-law-means-apple-has-had-to-change-part-of-the-app-store-heres-what-that-means-for-you]. ### Overview of Apple's Compliance Strategy 1. **Age Verification Implementation**: - Users in Texas must verify their age when creating new accounts. - Users under 18 will be required to join a Family Sharing group to access certain apps [https://www.republicworld.com/tech/apple-will-lock-iphones-for-underage-users-in-us-starting-next-year]. 2. **Developer Guidelines**: - Apple is updating its Declared Age Range API to assist developers in complying with the new law without collecting actual birthdates [https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/apple-to-require-parental-approval-for-texas-teens-app-downloads-from-2026-82282.htm]. 3. **Privacy Concerns**: - Both Apple and Google have raised alarms about the potential risks to user privacy that could arise from the implementation of these age verification measures [https://tech.yahoo.com/ai/apple-intelligence/articles/apple-says-texas-law-means-210510894.html]. 4. **Future Rollouts**: - Following Texas, similar age verification requirements are expected to be introduced in Utah and Louisiana starting next year [https://www.republicworld.com/tech/apple-will-lock-iphones-for-underage-users-in-us-starting-next-year]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Dates**: - **January 1, 2026**: Age verification law takes effect in Texas [https://www.universmartphone.com/2025/10/08/apple-details-app-store-changes-to-comply-with-texas-age-verification-law]. - **User Requirements**: - Users under 18 must join a Family Sharing group to download apps [https://www.techspot.com/news/109798-apple-changes-app-store-policies-comply-new-texas.html]. - **Developer Tools**: - Apple is providing updated APIs to help developers comply with the law [https://www.tuaw.com/2025/10/09/apple-outlines-developer-rules-for-texas-age-verification-law]. ### Conclusion: Navigating New Regulatory Landscapes In summary, **Apple is proactively adjusting its App Store policies to comply with Texas' age verification law**, which poses both operational challenges and privacy concerns. The key points include: 1. **Mandatory Age Verification**: Users in Texas must confirm their age when creating accounts. 2. **Developer Support**: Apple is enhancing tools for developers to facilitate compliance. 3. **Privacy Risks**: Concerns about user privacy have been raised by both Apple and Google. 4. **Expansion Plans**: Similar regulations are anticipated in other states, indicating a broader trend in app store governance. These changes reflect a significant shift in how tech companies will manage user data and privacy in response to evolving legal frameworks [https://www.theverge.com/news/796760/apple-iphones-ios-app-store-age-verification-law-texas-utah-louisiana].