tech
Apple will require developers to declare dating and AI companion features for age ratings
Apple will ask app developers to declare dating and AI companion features when setting age ratings in App Store Connect.
Key points
- New App Store Connect descriptors ask whether an app shares users' real-world location with another person or group.
- Apps with dating or relationship content get a minimum 18+ rating and require proof of adulthood from underage users.
- Location-sharing apps are not affected by age ratings in most regions, though Brazil requires a 16+ rating for them.
Why it matters. Apps with dating or relationship content will carry a minimum 18+ rating, so developers offering such features face new age-gating requirements on the App Store.
Apple will ask developers new questions in App Store Connect, its web-based management platform, so that age ratings reflect app content, and the new descriptors appear on November 16. Apps declared to have dating or relationship content will get a minimum 18+ rating and will be hidden from under-18 users whose parents have set app content restrictions. Developers must answer both questions for all their apps by January 12, 2027.
Latest updates
Apple will require developers to declare dating and AI companion features for age ratings
Apple will ask developers more questions about their apps so that age ratings reflect the content accurately. Developers must declare whether their app enables dating between real people, AI companion relationships, or both. The new content descriptor questions will be added to App Store Connect, the company's developer portal. Apps that allow AI companion relationships are covered by the requirement as well. The change is aimed at ensuring the age rating applied to each app matches what users can actually access.