Apple is taking strong steps to lock down iPhones in response to Texas’ new age verification law — but here’s where it gets controversial... Starting in 2026, Texas is demanding that tech giants like Apple and Google verify the ages of everyone using their app stores, aiming to better protect kids online. Apple has now revealed its plan to comply with this law, which will change how new Apple Accounts are created starting January 1st, 2026. From that date forward, anyone setting up a new Apple Account in Texas will have to confirm they are over 18 years old. If they’re under 18, they won’t be able to go solo; instead, they must join a Family Sharing group where the parent or guardian gives permission for app downloads and in-app purchases. This ensures parents have control over what their kids are accessing but also raises questions about privacy and autonomy.
But that’s not all—developers will also need to update their apps to meet these rules. Apple already provides a tool called the Declared Age Range API, which lets developers ask users to specify their general age bracket. Apple says this API will be updated soon to align with the new age categories required by Texas law. Moreover, later this year, Apple will introduce new APIs that allow developers to trigger a system prompt asking users to renew parental consent if an app undergoes significant changes. This dynamic approach means parental controls won’t just be a one-time check, but will adapt as apps evolve.
Texas isn’t the only state implementing these measures. Utah and Louisiana have passed similar app store age verification laws that will come into effect next year as well. Google, not to be left behind, has issued guidance to developers on how it plans to support compliance with its Google Play Store, signaling a nationwide shift towards stricter online child safety standards.
Here’s where things get even more complex and contentious: Apple CEO Tim Cook has openly expressed concerns about these laws, specifically Texas’ SB2420 bill. He personally called Texas Governor Greg Abbott to discuss potential changes, emphasizing that while Apple supports protecting kids online, the bill could unintentionally jeopardize user privacy by mandating the collection of sensitive personal information—even for users who just want to check the weather or sports scores. This tension highlights the tricky balance between safeguarding children and protecting individual privacy rights.
Apple’s evolving approach to age verification underscores an important debate: How much control and information should tech companies gather, and at what cost to user privacy? Will these measures genuinely improve safety, or do they risk creating new privacy problems? We invite you to weigh in—do you think Apple’s response hits the mark, or are there better ways to protect younger users online without overstepping privacy boundaries? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
