Apple Requires 18+ Rating for AI Companion and Dating Apps in App Store Policy Update

Apple is tightening its App Store policies to make it harder for minors to access AI companions and online dating apps that engage in sexual or romantic content, the company told developers in an announcement on Monday.

Under the new rules, any app offering dating or romantic relationship features must carry an 18+ rating. From November 16, developers will be required to add new content descriptors so that age ratings accurately reflect an app’s features.

The change could have a significant impact on AI companion apps, including those where romantic functionality is one of many features. Services such as Character.AI and Replika, often aimed at younger users, let people create AI friends, partners and fantasy characters, while xAI last year introduced 3D animated companions with unlockable NSFW capabilities. As of last summer, leading AI companion apps had been downloaded 220 million times globally across the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Apps will also need to disclose whether they share a user’s real-world location with another person or group. In Brazil, family location-sharing apps can request an official rating from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security rather than defaulting to the A16 rating required under local law.

The update builds on Apple’s global rollout of age assurance technology and expanded parental controls and child safety features.