Apple requires 18+ ratings for dating apps and some AI companions

In short: Apple is changing App Store rules so dating apps and AI companion apps with romantic or sexual content must be rated 18+.

What happened

Apple told app developers it is updating App Store policies to make it harder for minors to use dating apps or “AI companions” that include sexual or romantic content.

Under the new policy, apps that offer dating or romantic relationship features will be required to carry an 18+ age rating. Apple said developers will need to add new “content descriptors” starting November 16, so an app’s rating matches what it actually does. Content descriptors are simple labels that explain why an app gets a certain age rating, like a movie rating label that lists what is inside.

The change could affect a growing category of AI companion apps. These are apps that let people chat with an AI character that acts like a friend, partner, or made-up person (like a role-playing conversation). TechCrunch notes examples such as Character.AI and Replika, and points to other products that have offered “not safe for work” features.

Apple is also adding a requirement tied to location sharing. Apps will need to say if they share a user’s real-world location with another person or group, since that can create privacy risks if people do not realize it is happening.

Why it matters

For parents, this is another gate that can reduce kids’ access to adult-focused apps, although it still relies on age checks and settings. For everyone else, clearer labels can make it easier to understand what an app may expose you to, and whether it might share sensitive information like your location.

Source: TechCrunch AI