Texas residents who create new Apple Accounts will now face age verification requirements under a new state law. The Texas App Store Accountability Act officially takes effect on June 4, 2026, and requires companies such as Apple and Google to verify the ages of users accessing their app marketplaces.
The law marks one of the strongest state-level efforts to regulate access to online apps and digital content. As a result, technology companies must update their systems to comply with the new requirements.
What Changes for Users?
Under the new rules, anyone creating an Apple Account in Texas must verify their age. Users under 18 must join a Family Sharing group, and parents or guardians will have greater control over app downloads and purchases.
Additionally, parents can withdraw approval for apps that minors previously accessed. App developers must also use Apple’s age-related tools to determine a user’s age range and notify parents when major changes occur within an app.
These measures aim to give families more oversight. However, they also place new responsibilities on app developers and platform operators.
Apple’s Concerns Over Privacy
Apple strongly opposed the legislation before it became law. The company argued that the rules could force it to collect and store sensitive personal information, including government identification and other private data.
Apple reportedly used lobbyists and public campaigns in an effort to stop the bill. CEO Tim Cook also contacted Texas Governor Greg Abbott before the law was signed. Despite these efforts, lawmakers moved forward with the measure.
Court Challenges Continue
The law has already faced legal challenges. In December 2025, a federal judge temporarily blocked enforcement through a preliminary injunction. The judge compared the requirement to asking bookstores to verify every customer’s age before entry.
However, that protection did not last. On June 1, 2026, a federal appeals court temporarily lifted the injunction, allowing the law to take effect while legal proceedings continue.
Although future court decisions could still change the situation, Texas users, developers, and app store operators must currently follow the new age verification requirements. The outcome may also influence similar legislation across other U.S. states.
