Apple is introducing stricter age restrictions on its App Store, placing dating platforms and AI chatbots built around romantic or sexual interactions in the adults-only category. From November 16, developers will have to apply updated age-rating labels that better reflect an app's content and intended audience. As a result, apps designed to help users find romantic partners or simulate romantic relationships will carry an 18+ rating, limiting access for younger users.
Apple's New Rules Could Reshape The AI Companion Market #
The biggest impact of Apple's updated policy could fall on AI companion platforms rather than conventional dating services, many of which already require users to be adults. Apps such as Character.AI and Replika allow users to interact with virtual friends, fictional personalities and simulated romantic partners. xAI has also entered this space with animated AI companions that offer adult-oriented interactions. The popularity of this category is growing, with AI companion apps recording a combined 220 million downloads across Apple's and Google's app stores globally as of last summer.
Starting Nov. 16, apps with dating features or AI romantic companions will require a minimum 18+ age rating on the App Store, Apple says https://t.co/1NZX2dWEQJ https://t.co/bT3sIzRG9h
— 9to5Mac (@9to5mac)November 3, 2026
AI Chatbots Offering Romance Will Need An 18+ Rating #
Under the revised guidelines, developers cannot give their apps a lower age classification if they offer chatbots designed for romantic or sexual interactions. These services will have to be marked 18+, potentially changing their accessibility for younger users on Apple devices. The updated questionnaire for app ratings will become available from November 16, but developers have until January 12, 2027, to bring their apps in line with the new requirements.
Apple Wants Users To Know When Apps Share Their Location #
The company is also revising its privacy requirements around location sharing. Apps that disclose a person's real-world location to other individuals or groups will have to make this functionality clear through designated labels. The change is intended to give users better visibility into when their whereabouts are being shared, particularly in situations where they may not realise that other people can access this information.
Brazil Gets An Exception For Family Location-Sharing Apps #
Apple has introduced a separate provision for developers operating in Brazil. Apps built around sharing locations among family members can seek an official age classification from the country's Ministry of Justice and Public Security. This gives them an alternative to automatically receiving the local A16 rating. The latest changes add to Apple's wider efforts to strengthen online safeguards through parental controls and age-verification measures.
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