Apple To Enforce Age Verification For App Downloads In Texas From 2026: Here’s Why
Apple is known for its strict user policies and strong focus on privacy, but the company is now being forced to make changes due to new laws. Starting January 1, 2026, iPhone users in Texas, US, will be required to verify their age before downloading apps from the App Store. Under the new rules, minors will not be able to access the App Store or certain iPhone features in the same way adult users can.
Apple, which has long positioned itself as a privacy-first company, says it is making this change reluctantly — only to comply with the new child safety law coming into effect next year. The regulation mandates stricter parental supervision over how children use devices and access online services.
These requirements don’t apply to Apple alone; other major tech firms, including Meta and Google, must also implement similar restrictions for minors. While Apple supports enhanced safety for younger users, it has expressed concern over having to collect age-related data, which goes against its long-standing privacy philosophy.
How Apple Plans To Implement The Change
To protect user privacy, Apple has developed a new API that allows developers to verify a user’s age without collecting their exact date of birth. This privacy-preserving system will be rolled out to app developers later this year, ahead of the January 2026 enforcement date.
Apple’s Global Compliance History
This isn’t the first time Apple has adapted its policies to regional laws. The company previously introduced USB-C ports and allowed sideloading of apps in some EU countries to comply with European regulations. In China, Apple has also had to work within government restrictions to get approval for AI features and other services.
While Apple remains firm on its privacy principles, these latest rules highlight how regional laws continue to shape the company’s global policies — even when they challenge its core values.
