Apple is tightening App Store rules to restrict minors’ access to dating apps and AI companions that offer sexual or romantic content, according to an announcement issued to developers. The company reported the policy shift on Monday, covering programs that facilitate romantic relationship features or virtual connections.
The revised guidelines mandate that any apps offering dating or romantic relationship features must now receive an 18+ maturity rating.
November 16 Developer Requirements and Content Descriptors
App Store Connect will incorporate the questionnaires needed to ensure ratings match local regulations.
According to Apple, the Dating and Relationships disclosure becomes mandatory for applications that facilitate romantic ties between actual individuals and/or virtual partners that involve users with sexual or romantic material. Developers must complete these declarations in App Store Connect by January 12, 2027.
Impact on AI Companions and Global Downloads
While most major dating services already limit access to adults, the policy affects AI companion apps and services featuring virtual relationships in other ways.
Platforms such as Character.AI and Replika allow users to create virtual friends, romantic partners, and fantasy characters. Last year, xAI introduced animated 3D companions with unlockable sexually explicit capabilities. Leading AI companion apps collectively recorded 220 million downloads worldwide across the App Store and Google Play by last summer.
Real-World Location Sharing Disclosures
Apple is introducing a second content descriptor requiring developers to disclose whether apps share a user’s real-world location with another person or group. Gizmodo observed that location-sharing features do not immediately trigger an age restriction, though impacts vary by regional regulation.
Shared Location mandates an A16 classification and Dating and Relationships requires an A18 designation under Brazilian regional rules.
Deadlines and age ratings for developers
What is the final deadline for developers to complete the new App Store declarations?
All app developers must have their Shared Location and Dating and Relationships declarations completed in App Store Connect by January 12, 2027.
How does the new policy affect AI companion apps on the App Store?
Any virtual companion app that engages a user in sexual or romantic content must carry a minimum age rating of 18+ starting with the November 16 rollout of new content descriptors.
What are the specific age ratings required for apps in Brazil under the updated rules?
Shared Location must be rated A16 and Dating and Relationships must be rated A18 pursuant to Brazilian guidelines, failing which a formal classification for younger demographics can be sought straight from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
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