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Apple Restricts Dating Apps and Romanceable Chatbots to Users Over 18
Apple restricts dating apps and romanceable chatbots to users over 18 under new App Store age rating rules.
Key points
- Developers must declare whether their apps allow real-world location sharing or dating and sexual features between real people or virtual
- Apps with dating and relationship features will receive a minimum age rating of 18.
- All apps must complete the new age rating declarations by January 12, 2027.
Why it matters. Developers of dating, location-sharing and AI companion apps will need to make new declarations, and the rules could change app age ratings in some regions.
Apple announced on Monday new App Store age rating descriptors that will require developers to declare location sharing and dating or romantic features, including those with virtual companions. Apps with dating and relationship features will receive a minimum age rating of 18, while location-sharing apps may see rating changes in some regions depending on local regulations. The new questionnaire starts November 16, and all apps must complete the declarations by January 12, 2027.
Latest updates
Apple Restricts Dating Apps and Romanceable Chatbots to Users Over 18
Apple is restricting dating apps and romanceable chatbots on its App Store to users over 18. The company will soon ask developers to provide more details about their apps. The information is needed to enforce new App Store age rating requirements. The changes affect app developers and users across all markets where the App Store operates. The rules are part of Apple's wider effort to tighten age controls on its platform.