Apple Introduces New APIs to Comply with Texas’s SB2420 Age Verification Law
In response to Texas’s forthcoming SB2420 legislation, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, Apple has unveiled a suite of new APIs and sandbox tools designed to assist developers in adhering to the state’s stringent age verification and parental consent requirements. This move underscores Apple’s commitment to user privacy while ensuring compliance with regional regulations.
Background on SB2420
Texas’s SB2420 mandates that app marketplaces and developers implement robust age assurance mechanisms. The law requires that users confirm their age before downloading or purchasing apps, and for minors, parental consent is obligatory. Apple has expressed concerns that such requirements could impinge on user privacy by necessitating the collection of sensitive personal information. To address these concerns, Apple has developed tools that balance compliance with the law and the protection of user data.
Introduction of New APIs
With the release of the first beta versions of iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2, Apple has detailed the following APIs:
1. Declared Age Range API: This API enables developers to ascertain a user’s age category as defined by Texas law: under 13, 13-15, 16-17, or over 18. It also provides information about the method of age verification used and indicates if parental consent is required due to significant changes within the app.
2. Significant Change API: Operating within the PermissionKit framework, this API allows developers to prompt parents or guardians for consent when substantial modifications are made to an app or its features, ensuring that minors continue to have appropriate access.
3. App Consent Revocation: This feature addresses scenarios where a parent or guardian withdraws consent for an app, resulting in the app being blocked on the minor’s device, thereby enforcing parental control over app usage.
Sandbox Testing Environment
To facilitate the integration and testing of these APIs, Apple has introduced a sandbox environment. This tool allows developers to simulate user experiences and ensure that their applications comply with SB2420 without compromising user privacy.
Implementation Timeline
Apple advises developers to submit their SB2420-compliant applications once the Release Candidates of iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 are available. Additionally, Apple has indicated that similar tools will be introduced to help developers meet upcoming legal obligations in other regions, including Utah, Louisiana, and Brazil.
Conclusion
Apple’s proactive development of these APIs demonstrates its dedication to user privacy and compliance with state laws. By providing developers with the necessary tools to implement age verification and parental consent mechanisms, Apple ensures that its ecosystem remains secure and user-friendly, even as regulatory landscapes evolve.
