Technology1 min read

Apple is restricting dating apps and romanceable chatbots to over 18s

By · Via The Verge · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Platform administrators are updating submission guidelines to mandate disclosures about real-world dating, interactive sexual behaviors, and romantic artificial intelligence features. The move expands high-tier maturity classifications that historically applied only to materials featuring gambling, explicit violence, nudity, or controlled substances. In addition to romance software, platforms offering real-world location sharing will face adjusted regional age thresholds according to local compliance laws. Creators must adapt their declarations on developer portals during a phased rollout ending in early 2027.

Key points

  • The age-gating expansion targets romantic chatbots and virtual partner simulators to miti…: The age-gating expansion targets romantic chatbots and virtual partner simulators to mitigate potential youth mental health risks.
  • Apps that support dating functionalities or simulated romantic interactions will automati…: Apps that support dating functionalities or simulated romantic interactions will automatically receive an adult-only age classification.
  • Software featuring real-world location tracking will encounter updated minimum age restri…: Software featuring real-world location tracking will encounter updated minimum age restrictions tailored to specific regional laws.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Apple will soon start asking developers to provide more details about their apps to enforce new App Store age rating requirements for dating and location-sharing features. The upcoming content descriptors announced on Monday will require developers to declare if their apps allow users to share their real-world location with others, or include features that enable dating, relationship, or sexual behaviour between real people or virtual companions.

Apple is restricting dating apps and romanceable chatbots to over 18s

New App Store age rating guidance is being introduced for dating apps, romanceable virtual companions, and location sharing.

New App Store age rating guidance is being introduced for dating apps, romanceable virtual companions, and location sharing.

Apps that include dating and relationships features will receive a minimum age rating of 18, while those with location sharing will see an impact to their minimum age rating in some regions, depending on local regulations. These updates will be included in the App Store Connect age rating questionnaire starting November 16th, and all apps will be required to complete the new declarations by January 12th, 2027.

Technology