Apple’s age checks may ask Texas iPhone users for a selfie

Age-verification laws are beginning to take effect in the United States. One new Texas requirement could mean iPhone users have to submit a selfie so Apple can estimate their age. Other states may eventually require more intrusive checks.

These laws have drawn criticism over their privacy implications, but they’re increasingly likely to become part of using technology in the U.S. Some focus on particular services, such as AI tools, while others could restrict access to a device’s features unless users verify their age.

Texas Senate Bill 2420 requires app store operators to verify users’ ages before they can download apps. A federal judge attempted to block the law before it took effect in January 2026. Attorney General Ken Paxton later overturned that block, and the law is now in force.

The measure is intended to protect children from harmful content in apps. But adults may also have to share personal information to show they’re old enough to use their devices without restrictions. That trade-off is likely to trouble people who are already wary of age checks.

Apple may ask users in Texas to take a selfie for verification. The company says its age-estimation system analyzes the image on the device and through Private Cloud Compute. Apple says the photo is not available to the company or other parties and is deleted after the check is complete.

In many cases, users won’t need to provide a driver’s license or passport. If the system can determine from the selfie that someone is an adult, the process is finished. If it can’t reach a clear result, Apple may ask for a photo of a credit card showing the user’s name or a state-issued ID with its details visible.

The selfie check is available on iOS 27.2 and later. People using older software may need to update their devices to meet the state’s requirements.

Apple has also described possible age-check rules that could be adopted in other states. Some may require users to provide a state ID or credit card right away, rather than starting with a selfie. Users who don’t verify their age could be prevented from turning off certain safety features or downloading apps rated for adults. People with Apple accounts old enough to establish that they are adults may be exempt.