Apple restricts dating apps and romance bots to adults over 18
New App Store age rating requirements will force developers to disclose location-sharing and romantic features starting November 16th, with declarations due by January 12th, 2027.
Apple is introducing stricter age rating requirements for its App Store targeting dating applications and romance-oriented chatbots. The company will soon mandate that developers provide more detailed information about their apps to enforce these new rules regarding location-sharing features and romantic interactions between real people or virtual companions. These updates aim to prevent minors from accessing content designed for adult audiences, including AI agents capable of sexual behavior and simulated relationships that could pose mental health risks.
New Content Descriptors
The upcoming content descriptors announced on Monday will require developers to explicitly declare specific functionalities within their applications. Developers must identify if their apps allow users to share their real-world physical location with others or include features enabling dating, relationship, or sexual behavior between individuals. Apps containing these dating and relationships features will receive a minimum age rating of 18. Additionally, apps with location sharing capabilities may see an impact on their minimum age rating in some regions, contingent upon local regulations.
Timeline for Compliance
The new requirements are set to be integrated into the App Store Connect age rating questionnaire starting November 16th. All applications will be required to complete these new declarations by January 12th, 2027. While Apple already possesses an 18-plus rating category for the App Store, this system has largely been applied to apps featuring gambling, violence, references to drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, and nudity or sexual content. Most dating platforms are already adult-only, but Apple is extending its ratings specifically to close potential gaps in protection for younger users.
