Apple must continue enforcing Texas's age verification law for iPhone users after the Supreme Court denied a request to pause the mandate. The law requires app stores, including Apple's and Google's, to verify users' ages and obtain parental consent for minors before they can download, purchase, or continue using apps.

This decision follows Apple's strong opposition to the law, with CEO Tim Cook personally lobbying Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The trade group representing Apple and Google had initially sought a suspension of enforcement from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which was rejected. Their subsequent appeal to the US Supreme Court was also denied in a brief, one-sentence ruling.

While Apple and other companies are still pursuing legal avenues to overturn the law, this ruling indicates Texas can enforce it for now. The implications extend to both app store operators and developers, who must implement measures to determine user ages for compliance. This situation signals a growing trend of digital age verification requirements globally.