Apple to restrict dating and romantic AI apps for users under 18
New App Store policies requiring 18+ age ratings for specific features will take effect from November 16.
Apple is updating its App Store rules to limit access for minors to dating applications and AI companions that provide romantic or sexual content, according to a Times of India report.
Under the new policy, any application featuring dating or romantic relationship capabilities must be assigned a minimum age rating of 18+. This includes services that allow users to interact with virtual companions, such as Character.AI and Replika, or platforms like xAI that have introduced animated 3D companions.
Starting November 16, developers must use new content descriptors in App Store Connect to ensure age ratings accurately represent their app's features. These descriptors require developers to declare if an app includes dating and relationship features or if it shares a user's real-world location with others.
The company stated that these changes are part of wider child safety measures, which include expanded parental controls and the global rollout of age assurance technology.
In Brazil, local regulations mandate an A16 rating for shared location features and an A18 rating for dating and relationship features. Developers who believe their location-sharing apps qualify for lower ratings in Brazil can request verification from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
Developers must provide these new declarations when submitting app updates or changing age rating questionnaires. All apps are required to complete these declarations by January 12, 2027.