Apple started requiring age verification for all new App Store accounts created in Texas beginning June 4, 2023, following the Texas App Store Accountability Act (SB 2420) becoming effective after legal delays [1, 2].
Users must now verify they are at least 18 years old using either a credit card or a government-issued ID to create an account in Texas [1, 2]. Those under 18 are required to join a Family Sharing group, which allows parents or guardians to control app downloads and in-app purchases, and revoke consent if needed [1, 2].
The new rules also require developers to provide age-appropriate app experiences and support parental control features on their apps [1, 2].
The Texas law was signed in May 2022 but the original January 1, 2023 effective date was delayed by legal challenges before a federal appeals court permitted the law to go into effect while constitutional review continues [1, 2]. Apple implemented similar age verification in the UK for iCloud accounts starting in March 2023 as a preparatory step for broadening geographic age checks [2].
Beyond Texas, Apple plans to roll out age verification requirements in other U.S. states, including Utah and Louisiana, as well as internationally in Brazil, Australia, Singapore, and the UK [1]. Google is also introducing age verification tools on its Play Store to meet similar regulations [1].
The Texas law and Apple’s enforcement aim to increase user safety by ensuring account holders meet minimum age requirements and allow families more control over minors’ app activity.
The next scheduled milestone is continued implementation of age verification in additional regions through 2023 and beyond, reflecting broader regulatory trends on digital age restrictions [1].
