Apple is updating its App Store age-rating requirements so that dating apps and services featuring AI companions with sexual or romantic content will be rated for users aged 18 and older. The changes were announced on November 2 and take effect on November 16, 2026, as developers begin using updated age-rating declarations.
Under the new rules, developers must disclose whether their apps offer dating or relationship connections between people, or interactions with virtual companions involving sexual or romantic content. Apps with these features will receive an 18+ minimum rating, even if dating or romantic interactions are not their main purpose.
The requirements could apply to AI companion platforms such as Character.AI and Replika. Apple’s policy does not cover all AI chatbots or virtual assistants; it specifically targets services with the relationship features and content described in the updated classification.
Apple is also adding a separate content descriptor for apps that share users’ real-world locations. Those services will not automatically receive a higher age rating in every region. In Brazil, local rules set ratings of A16 for apps with location sharing and A18 for dating and relationship services. Developers of family-oriented location-sharing tools may request a lower rating from the country’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
Developers must submit the new declarations when they update an app or change its age-rating questionnaire from November 16. Apple has set January 12, 2027, as the deadline for all apps to complete the updated declarations, including those that have not submitted an update by then.
Sources: Dexerto.