Apple to Require 18+ Ratings for Dating and Romantic AI Companion Apps

Apple is introducing new App Store age-rating requirements that will classify dating apps and AI companions offering sexual or romantic interactions as suitable only for adults aged 18 and older. The changes, announced on November 2, 2026, will require developers to disclose specific app features starting November 16, as part of the company’s efforts to strengthen protections for younger users.

According to an official developer announcement, the updated App Store Connect questionnaire will introduce two content descriptors covering dating and relationships, and real-world location sharing. Developers must complete the new declarations when submitting app updates or modifying their age-rating information, with a final compliance deadline of January 12, 2027. Apple Developer

New Rules Cover Dating Apps and AI Companions

The dating and relationships classification applies to applications that facilitate romantic connections between real people or provide virtual companions capable of engaging users in sexual or romantic conversations. Apps meeting these criteria will automatically receive a minimum age rating of 18+, regardless of their other features.

The requirements could affect AI companion services such as Character.AI and Replika, which allow users to create or interact with virtual personalities, including fictional friends and romantic partners. Applications offering AI companionship alongside other features may also fall under the requirements if they support sexual or romantic interactions.

Elon Musk’s xAI introduced animated AI companions in 2025, including characters with adult-oriented interaction capabilities. The category has attracted significant consumer interest, with leading AI companion apps across Apple’s App Store and Google Play recording approximately 220 million downloads globally by mid-2025.

Location Sharing Added to Age-Rating Disclosures

Apple will also require developers to declare if their applications share a user’s real-world location with another individual or group. The location-sharing classification does not automatically result in an increased minimum age rating across all regions, as requirements depend on local regulations.

In Brazil, applications offering location-sharing functionality generally require an A16 classification, while dating and relationship applications receive an A18 rating. Developers of family-oriented location-sharing apps can request an official classification from Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security if they believe a lower rating is appropriate.

Once verified, the government-issued classification will appear on the application’s Brazilian App Store listing. Apple said developers must complete the required declarations by January 12, 2027, even if they do not submit an app update before that deadline.

Apple Expands Child Safety Measures

The updated classification requirements follow Apple’s previous introduction of age assurance tools designed to help developers comply with child safety regulations in different markets. These include technologies that allow applications to obtain age-range information without requiring users to disclose their full birth dates.

In June 2026, Apple also announced additional parental controls, including redesigned Screen Time settings, improved app access restrictions, and tools allowing parents to approve website access. The company also expanded communication safeguards designed to identify potentially inappropriate images and videos shared with minors.

Featured image credits: Wikimedia Commons

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Apple to Require 18+ Ratings for Dating and Romantic AI Companion Apps

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