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Apple announced to developers an adjustment to App Store policies, requiring all apps that offer dating or romantic relationship features to be labeled with an 18+ rating, involving AI companion apps such as Character.AI and Replika. According to a TechCrunch AI report, starting November 16, developers must add new content description items so that age ratings reflect app features; the new rules also require apps to state whether they share users' real location with others. A CNET report further stated that Apple has added two new content descriptors, "Dating and Relationships" and "Shared Location"; the new descriptors take effect on November 16, and developers must complete their declarations by January 12, 2027; in Brazil, the minimum rating for apps that allow location sharing is 16, and for dating apps it is 18. Apple said the 18+ rating is used in conjunction with parental restrictions, and some regions may require users to confirm they are adults before downloading such apps.
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Apple App Store New Rules: AI Companion and Dating Apps Must Be Labeled with 18+ Age RatingsDevelopments
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Nov 4
CNET
Apple App Store New Rules: AI Companion and Dating Apps Must Be Labeled with 18+ Age Ratings
Apple has notified developers that it will add two new content descriptors, "Dating and Relationships" and "Shared Location," requiring dating apps and AI companion apps that offer romantic or sexual interactions to be labeled with an age rating of 18 and over. The new descriptors take effect on November 16, and developers must complete their declarations by January 12, 2027; in Brazil, the minimum rating for apps that allow location sharing is 16, and for dating apps it is 18. Apple says the 18+ rating is used in conjunction with parental restrictions, and some regions may require users to confirm they are adults before downloading such apps.
Nov 3
TechCrunch AI
Apple's New App Store Rules Require Dating and AI Companion Apps to Be Rated 18+
Apple announced to developers an adjustment to its App Store policy, requiring all apps offering dating or romantic relationship features to be rated 18+, affecting AI companion apps such as Character.AI and Replika. Starting November 16, developers must add new content description items so that age ratings reflect app functionality. The new rules also require apps to state whether they share users' real location with others; family location-sharing apps in Brazil can apply to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security for an official rating.
heise online
Apple Tightens Age Ratings and Location-Sharing Declarations for Dating Apps
Apple has announced that, starting November 16, developers must declare when submitting app updates whether their app contains dating or friend-matching features and whether it shares location; apps with dating features will be rated 18+. Virtual companions and chatbots involving sexual or romantic content are also included in the declaration scope, and all apps must complete the information supplement by January 12, 2027. Brazil requires 16+ for location sharing, and apps aimed at parents and children may apply to the MJSP for a lower rating.
9to5Mac
Apple will require an 18+ age rating for dating apps and AI romantic companion apps
Apple announced that starting November 16, developers filling out the age rating questionnaire in App Store Connect must declare whether their app includes location sharing or dating and relationship features; apps with dating and relationship features will have a minimum rating of 18+. Apps with location sharing features may not affect the minimum rating in some regions, but must be rated A16 in Brazil. All apps must complete the declaration by January 12, 2027.
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