Juul gets OK to sell updated vaping device with age-gating technology

August 28, 2026 - 21:37

Federal regulators gave the green light on Friday for Juul to sell an updated version of its vaping device, one that comes with built-in age verification technology. The approval marks a notable shift for the company, which has spent years under intense scrutiny over its role in the teen vaping crisis.

The new device is designed to lock itself unless it detects that the user is an adult. It uses a Bluetooth connection to pair with a smartphone app, where the owner must verify their age by uploading a government-issued ID. The device also has a feature that limits how much nicotine can be consumed in a single session, which the company says helps prevent overuse.

Regulators said the updated hardware meets the current standards for protecting public health, especially when it comes to keeping products out of the hands of minors. This is not the same as a full authorization to market the product as "safe," but it does allow Juul to sell the device legally in the United States.

The decision comes after a long and rocky road for the company. Juul previously faced a near-total ban on its products in 2022, when the Food and Drug Administration initially denied its applications. That decision was later put on hold, and the company has been working since then to redesign its products and address the concerns that led to the earlier rejection.

Public health advocates have mixed reactions. Some see the age-gating technology as a step in the right direction, while others worry that any approval could reopen the door to widespread use among young people. Juul says it is committed to responsible marketing and that the new device is a major improvement over its earlier models.

The company plans to start selling the device in the coming months, though it will need to continue meeting reporting and compliance requirements.