GoKawiilApple adds 18+ rating rules for dating apps and romantic AI chatbots
Apple announced new App Store content descriptors requiring developers to disclose whether apps include real-world location sharing or dating, relationship and sexual features involving real people or virtual companions. Apps with dating or relationship features will get a minimum age rating of 18, while location-sharing apps may see rating changes depending on regional regulations. The new questionnaire fields launch November 16th, with all developers required to complete declarations by January 12th, 2027.
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The move extends Apple's existing 18-plus category, previously focused on gambling, violence and explicit content, to cover romantic AI chatbots and virtual companion apps, suggesting growing concern about minors accessing these features. By requiring explicit declarations rather than relying on developers' own judgment, Apple appears to be tightening enforcement ahead of potential regulatory scrutiny over AI companion apps' mental health effects on young users. The long compliance runway to 2027 gives developers time to adjust, but signals Apple sees this as a sustained priority rather than a one-off fix.
- New App Store descriptors require disclosure of dating, relationship, sexual and location-sharing features
- Dating and relationship apps will get a minimum 18+ age rating under the new rules
- Developers must complete updated declarations by January 12th, 2027, with the questionnaire starting November 16th
Source: theverge.com — Jess Weatherbed, 2026-11-03
Published there as: “Apple is restricting dating apps and romanceable chatbots to over 18s”
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