Apple Mandates Age Verification for New Texas App Store Accounts

*Starting June 4, new users in Texas must verify their age and obtain parental consent for minors before downloading apps or making purchases.*

The Change

Apple updated its App Store rules for Texas residents this week. New Apple Accounts created in the state now require age assurance. Minors under 18 also need parent or guardian consent for app downloads, in-app purchases, and major account changes.

The requirement aligns with the Texas App Store Accountability Act. That law passed in May 2025 and takes effect tomorrow.

Prior State

Until now, Apple and Google had pushed back against the mandate. The companies argued the rules would create friction for users and complicate account creation. Enforcement begins regardless.

Apple posted the updated policy on its developer site. The change applies only to new accounts opened in Texas.

Limited Scope for Now

The policy targets new sign-ups. Existing accounts face no immediate verification step under the current announcement. Apple has not detailed how age assurance will work in practice or which third-party services might handle checks.

Why It Matters

Texas joins a small group of states forcing platform-level age gates on app stores. The move shifts more responsibility onto Apple and Google to police minor access, even as both companies have warned that such laws raise privacy and usability problems. Other states will watch whether the Texas rollout produces measurable drops in underage sign-ups or simply drives users to workarounds.

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Sources:

• Engadget
• AppleInsider

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