Apple to require 18+ rating for dating apps and AI companions

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 15:13 · Archive

Apple will require developers to disclose dating features and location sharing in their apps from November 16, with dating apps receiving a minimum 18+ age rating.

Apple announced new content disclosure requirements for app developers, effective November 16. Developers must declare whether their apps include dating features or allow users to share their real-world location with others through App Store Connect, Apple's web-based management platform.

Apps that enable dating, relationship features or sexual behaviour between real people or virtual companions will receive a minimum age rating of 18+. This means they will not appear in the App Store for users under 18 if parental content restrictions are enabled, and underage users who can access them will need to provide proof of age to download.

Location-sharing apps will not be affected by age rating changes in most regions, though some countries have their own requirements. Brazil requires apps that share locations to have a 16+ rating and apps with dating and relationship content to have an 18+ rating. Apps offering location sharing for parents and children in Brazil can request a lower rating from the country's Ministry of Justice and Public Security.

Apple already maintains an 18+ category for apps featuring gambling, violence, drug references, alcohol, tobacco, and sexual content. The company said the new disclosures are intended to ensure age ratings accurately reflect app content and to prevent minors from accessing dating platforms and AI chatbots designed for romantic or sexual interactions.

Developers must submit the new disclosures through App Store Connect by January 12, 2027. The content descriptor questions will appear in the age rating questionnaire when developers submit new apps or make changes to existing ones.

How it is being reported

• Apple restricts dating apps and AI companions to users 18 and upApple's new App Store rules will require 18+ ratings for dating apps and AI companions that offer sexual or romantic content.TechCrunch · 3 Nov, 15:38
• Apple is restricting dating apps and romanceable chatbots to over 18sApple will soon start asking developers to provide more details about their apps to enforce new App Store age rating requirements for dating and location-sharing features. The upcoming content descriptors announced on Monday will require developers to declare if their apps allow users to share their real-world location with others, or include features that enable […]The Verge · 3 Nov, 13:22
• Apple will start mandating age requirements for dating appsApple developers will have to declare whether their app enables dating between real people and/or AI companions, so the company can apply the proper age rating.Engadget · 3 Nov, 10:32
• Apple Requiring Developers to Disclose Location Sharing and Dating Features in AppsStarting November 16, Apple will require developers to disclose whether their apps include real-world location sharing or dating features so age ratings can be assigned appropriately. Apple says the Dating and Relationships disclosure is required for apps that allow dating or relationship connections, regardless of whether that's with a real person or a virtual companion that engages in sexual or romantic content. Apps that include Dating and Relationships must have a minimum age rating of 18+, but Shared Location apps may not see a change to their minimum age rating in some regions. In…MacRumors · 3 Nov, 00:43

In this story: Apple · Brazil · App Store · App Store Connect

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