Apple requires dating and AI companion apps to be rated 18+
Understand this story
Apple announced changes to its App Store policy: all apps offering dating or romantic relationship features, including AI companion apps such as Character.AI and Replika, must be labeled with an 18+ age rating. Apple said the move is intended to make it harder for minors to use dating apps and AI companions that involve sexual or romantic content. Starting November 16, developers must add new content descriptors so that age ratings reflect the app's actual features; they must also indicate whether the app shares the user's real location with other people or groups. Apple said this continues its minor-protection measures such as global age verification and parental controls. In Brazil, apps offering family location-sharing features can apply to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security for an official rating instead of being labeled with an A16 rating as required by local law.
AI overview based on source reports · Updated 3 days ago
Coverage timeline
Follow the coverage to explore different perspectives.
- TechCrunch · AIApple restricts dating apps and AI companions to users 18 and up
Apple announced to developers that it will require all apps offering dating or romantic relationship features to carry an 18+ rating, and starting November 16 developers must add new content descriptors so age ratings reflect app features. The policy could also affect AI companion apps like Character.AI and Replika, which let users create AI friends, lovers and fantasy characters. Apps must also indicate if they share a user's real-world location with another person or group, and in Brazil family location-sharing apps can request an official rating from the MJSP instead of the A16 rating required by local law.
Activity for this story
- Current comparable activity
- 3
- Peak comparable activity
- 10Nov 4 01:00
- Change in the past 24 hours
- -51%
Trends compare the same fully observed participants, which may cover fewer participants than current activity. Move the pointer or tap the chart to inspect hourly activity; use the left and right arrow keys with a keyboard.