Apple is restricting dating apps and romanceable chatbots to over 18s

Apple is introducing new App Store age rating requirements and guidance specifically aimed at dating apps, location-sharing features, and romanceable virtual companions to protect minors from potential risks.

• Developers must provide detailed app info to enforce new App Store age rating requirements.
• Apps featuring dating or relationship functions will receive a mandatory 18+ minimum age rating.
• Location-sharing features will impact minimum age ratings based on local regional regulations.
• Updates roll out in App Store Connect on November 16th, with final compliance required by January 12th, 2027.

New App Store Age Rating Guidelines

Announced on Monday, Apple's upcoming content descriptors will require developers to explicitly declare if their applications allow users to share real-world locations with others. Additionally, it targets features enabling dating, romantic relationships, or sexual behavior between real individuals or virtual companions.

Apps that include dating and relationship features will now automatically receive a minimum age rating of 18-plus. Meanwhile, apps utilizing location sharing will see their minimum age rating adjusted in specific regions depending on local legal requirements and regulations.

Targeting AI Companions and Protecting Minors

While Apple already enforces an 18-plus rating category for gambling, violence, drugs, alcohol, and sexual content, this expansion is a concerted effort to prevent minors from slipping through safety cracks. It specifically aims to keep younger users away from AI chatbots supporting sexual or romantic interactions.

Virtual “girlfriend/boyfriend” simulators and romanceable companions can pose mental health risks to developing minds, making stricter oversight necessary. By extending these rules, Apple closes loopholes that allowed certain hybrid dating platforms and AI bots to bypass standard filters.

Implementation Timeline for Developers

These updates will be integrated into the App Store Connect age rating questionnaire starting November 16th. All existing and new applications will be required to complete these mandatory content declarations by January 12th, 2027.

For developers and businesses, this means evaluating app metadata, conversational AI features, and location tools well in advance to ensure full compliance with Apple's evolving ecosystem standards and avoid removal from the App Store.