Apple’s App Store has undergone several changes over the years. Earlier this year, Apple’s App Store began showing more ads, but subscriptions through the App Store have also become cheaper. The latest development is that you now have to be 18 or older (or have permission from someone who is) to use the App Store – but only if you live in Texas.
On June 3, 2026, Apple announced that an injunction blocking Texas Senate Bill 2420 (the App Store Accountability Act) had been lifted, meaning that all new Apple accounts in the state will be subject to the law. Everyone who wants to download apps on Apple devices, make significant changes to an app, or even make in-app purchases (probably the only good part of the law) must either confirm that they are 18 or older or obtain consent from a parent or guardian on their behalf. This law then came into force on June 4.
Previously, Apple fought against SB 2420, citing privacy concerns. While the law could, for example, prevent young users from racking up huge bills by buying tons of “Fortnite” skins among other in-app purchases, Apple said SB 2420 could “infringe on the privacy of all users by requiring the collection of sensitive personal information just to download an app.” Who would want to provide personal information (including location) just to install essential everyday iPhone apps?
Apple is trying to pass the buck (and the blame)
Apple isn’t too keen on users making purchases outside of the App Store – that’s why “Fortnite” was temporarily removed from the App Store, after all. According to Apple, many developers may need to “adopt new features” to confirm whether a registered adult is interacting with their app. These include making changes to an app, allowing the purchase of microtransactions, and revoking that permission. Apple has provided two APIs – the Declared Range API and the Significant Change API – to facilitate these functions.
At first glance, this seems like a reasonable request. SB 2420 states that the app store owner must use a commercially reasonable verification method to verify the age of the individual. However, the devil is in the details. Apple proclaimed, “It is the responsibility of the developer to determine when a material change is made to their application.” One could easily read this as Apple stating that if developers don’t use the APIs, the company could delist their product to comply with SB 2420. When the law is aimed at developers, it is more interested in them providing age ratings rather than enforcing them.
