Apple notified developers that new App Store age assurance requirements take effect tomorrow, June 4, for users creating accounts in Texas. The changes mandate age verification and parental consent for minors under 18 before they can download apps, make in-app purchases, or approve significant app updates. Parents retain the ability to revoke previously granted permissions for their children's apps.

The requirements stem from Texas Senate Bill 2420, signed by Governor Greg Abbott last May despite Apple's lobbying efforts. Known as the App Store Accountability Act, the law compels app marketplaces operating in Texas to implement age verification systems and obtain parental consent for users under 18. Apple had initially planned compliance for January 1, 2026, but accelerated implementation after the court ruling.

Federal Judge Robert Pitman blocked the law in December, ruling it likely unconstitutional. However, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay last week, temporarily lifting that injunction. Apple had already developed the necessary developer tools and APIs, then paused rollout when the initial injunction was granted. Now the company is moving forward with compliance while the legal battle continues.

Developers must integrate Apple's Declared Age Range API, Significant Change API under PermissionKit, and updated StoreKit features to meet these requirements. The company emphasized that developers bear responsibility for determining what constitutes significant app changes. This creates an immediate compliance burden for apps serving Texas users, potentially affecting how developers approach age-gated content nationwide.