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Apple mandates 18+ App Store rating for dating and AI companion apps

Apple will require dating apps and AI romantic companion platforms to carry an 18+ age rating on the App Store beginning Nov. 16, under updated guidance that also covers location sharing disclosures.

Digital 3D illustration of a smartphone surrounded by floating heart speech bubbles and symbols representing online dating and romance apps.
Image: @analyticsinme

Apple is updating its App Store policies to require a minimum 18+ age rating for apps that offer dating features or AI romantic companions, according to reports from 9to5Mac and TechCrunch. Under the revised rules, platforms providing romantic interactions with real people, romanceable virtual companions, or AI companions with sexual or romantic content will no longer be available to underage users.[3][1][4][5]

The new requirement is scheduled to take effect on Nov. 16, according to Apple via 9to5Mac. In addition to dating and AI companion restrictions, Apple is introducing guidance that requires disclosures for apps featuring location sharing, as reported by The Verge and iPhone in Canada.[6][2][5]

Key facts

  • Apple will require apps featuring dating services or AI romantic companions to carry a minimum 18+ age rating on the App Store.
  • The 18+ age-rating requirement officially takes effect on Nov. 16.
  • The restrictions apply to AI companions providing romantic or sexual content, as well as platforms offering romantic interactions with real people or virtual characters.
  • Apple's updated App Store guidance also mandates disclosures concerning location-sharing features in apps.

Sources · 5 sources

  1. TE

    TechCrunch@TechCrunchPost on X ·

    Apple's new App Store rules will require 18+ ratings for dating apps and AI companions that offer sexual or romantic content. https://t.co/8QKnCccXWW

    Open source
  2. II

    iPhone in Canada@iPhoneinCanadaPost on X ·

    Apple to Require Disclosures of Location Sharing and Dating Features in Apps https://t.co/mjsQYBcdtM

    Open source
  3. 9T

    9to5Mac@9to5macPost on X ·

    Apple to require 18+ age ratings for dating apps and AI romantic companions https://t.co/1NZX2dW71b by @mvcmendes

    Open source
  4. AI

    Analytics Insight@analyticsinmePost on X ·

    𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗡𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿-𝟭𝟴 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗜 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝘀 Apple is tightening access to dating apps and AI companions for younger users. Under its revised App Store rules, platforms offering romantic interactions with real people or virtual characters will need an 18+ age rating. #Apple #AppStore #AICompanions #DatingApps #CharacterAI #Replika #ArtificialIntelligence #OnlineSafety #ChildSafety #TechNews #AIChatbots #ApplePolicy #AnalyticsInsight #AnalyticsInsightMagazine Read More 👇 https://t.co/MIgnZukLTi

    Open source
  5. TV

    The Verge@vergePost on X ·

    New App Store age rating guidance is being introduced for dating apps, romanceable virtual companions, and location sharing. https://t.co/FE4Hc4MxjW

    Open source
  6. 9T

    9to5Mac@9to5macPost on X ·

    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

    Open source