Starting today, Apple enforces strict age-verification and parental-consent rules for new Apple accounts created in Texas. The move complies with the state's Age Assurance Law (SB 2420). Apple previously expressed privacy concerns about the law, but compliance is now mandatory.
New rules require parental consent for minors
The new rules apply to anyone creating an Apple account in Texas. Users under 18 must verify their age and obtain parental consent. Apple uses two APIs to handle the process: the Declared Age Range API and the Significant Change API.
The Declared Age Range API fetches the user's age bracket—Under 13, 13-15, 16-17, or 18+—along with the verification method. The Significant Change API, part of PermissionKit, triggers a system dialog for parental consent when an app gets a major update or its age rating shifts.
Developers must test age verification APIs immediately
Developers also get a new property type in StoreKit. It lets apps automatically check when their age rating changes on a user's device and then use the Significant Change API to request parental consent. App Store Server Notifications can tell developers when a parent revokes consent, blocking app launches.
Apple requires developers to test these APIs in a sandbox environment immediately. Similar age assurance laws are being considered in Utah, Louisiana, and Brazil. Similar laws are being considered in Utah, Louisiana, and Brazil.
The enforcement affects only new accounts in Texas starting June 4. The new rules apply only to new Apple accounts created in Texas. Apple's compliance marks a shift from its earlier stance on privacy concerns.
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