Apple’s New iOS 26.2 Tools to Enforce Texas Age Verification Law

Apple is introducing new developer tools for compliance with a Texas state law. The App Store Accountability Act takes effect on January 1, 2026. It mandates stricter age verification for digital storefronts.

The company outlined the changes in a recent developer update. These new requirements will impact how users in Texas access the App Store. The goal is to enhance child safety and parental control.

New APIs for Age Assurance and Parental Consent

Developers will gain access to new APIs in the upcoming iOS 26.2. According to Reuters, these tools are now available for sandbox testing. This gives developers time to integrate the features.

One key API is the “Declared Age Range.” It provides an age category, not a specific birth date. Categories include under 13, 13-15, 16-17, and over 18. The system also signals the method of age assurance used.

Another tool is the “Significant Change” API. It requires developers to flag major app updates. This could include a change to the app’s age rating. Parents must then re-consent for their child to continue using the app.

Impact on Users and Developers in Texas

For users in Texas, the experience will change starting next year. New Apple account creations will require an age confirmation. Adults must be 18 or older to proceed.

Parents will have more granular control. They must provide explicit consent for their children’s downloads and in-app purchases. The system also allows parents to revoke consent for any app at any time.

This places a new compliance burden on developers. They must implement systems to handle consent notifications and revocations. Failure to comply could result in apps being unavailable to minors in Texas.

The rollout of these new tools marks a significant shift in digital access control. The Texas age verification law is setting a new precedent that other states may follow. Apple’s proactive approach aims to balance safety with usability.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the Texas App Store Accountability Act?

It is a new state law that takes effect on January 1, 2026. The law requires digital stores to verify a user’s age. It also mandates parental consent for minors’ app downloads and purchases.

How will Apple verify a user’s age in Texas?

The system will use methods like credit card checks or government ID verification. Users will be placed into an age category. Developers do not receive the user’s exact birth date.

What counts as a “significant change” in an app?

Apple says developers must determine what constitutes a significant change. A common example would be changing an app’s age rating. This triggers a new parental consent request.

Can a parent block a child’s app after giving consent?

Yes. Parents can withdraw consent for any app at any time. This action will block the app from launching on the child’s or teen’s device.

When do these changes go into effect?

The new rules and Apple’s compliance tools become active on January 1, 2026. The necessary iOS 26.2 update is expected before that date.