Apple App Store to make dating and romantic AI apps 18+: What's changing?

Apple is introducing stricter age-rating rules for apps that offer dating and romantic experiences, including those powered by artificial intelligence. Under the new policy, apps with features that connect people for dating or let users engage with virtual companions in sexual or romantic content will carry a minimum age rating of 18+ on the App Store.

The change could affect more than conventional dating platforms. AI companion services, where users interact with virtual characters as friends or romantic partners, will also come under the new classification if they offer romantic or sexual experiences. This includes apps such as Replika and Character.AI, depending on the features they provide.

For iPhone users, the immediate change is in how these apps are age-rated and accessed. Apple has not announced a ban on dating services or AI companions. Instead, it is requiring developers to disclose these features so that age ratings reflect the content and interactions an app offers.

What is changing from November 16?

From November 16, 2026, developers will have to answer new questions in App Store Connect, Apple's platform for managing apps. The updated age-rating questionnaire will include two content descriptors:

• Dating and Relationships: Covers features that connect people for dating or relationships, as well as virtual companions that engage users in sexual or romantic content. Apps declaring these features will receive a minimum age rating of 18+.
• Shared Location: Covers apps that share a user's real-world location with another person or group. Developers must disclose this feature, although it will not automatically raise the minimum age rating in most regions.

Developers submitting an app update or changing its age-rating information will have to complete the new declarations from November 16. All existing apps must have the declarations completed by January 12, 2027.

Why AI companion apps could be affected

The policy specifically includes virtual companions, bringing AI apps with romantic or sexual interactions within the 18+ category even if they do not connect users with real people.

That distinction matters as AI companion platforms increasingly allow users to create or interact with virtual personalities. Some offer friendship-based conversations, while others include romantic roleplay or sexual content. Under Apple's definition, the presence of qualifying romantic or sexual interactions can trigger the higher age rating.

The policy does not mean every AI chatbot will automatically be rated 18+. The classification depends on whether the app offers the features described in Apple's Dating and Relationships category.

What about location-sharing apps?

Apple is also asking developers to declare whether their apps share users' real-world locations with other people or groups. The descriptor is intended to make this feature clearer in the age-rating process, particularly because location sharing can raise privacy concerns.

The rules differ in Brazil, where local regulations require an A16 rating for apps with shared-location features and an A18 rating for dating and relationship features. Developers who believe their location-sharing app qualifies for a lower rating can seek an official assessment from Brazil's Ministry of Justice and Public Security.

For users, the main takeaway is that dating and qualifying romantic AI companion apps will be marked 18+ on Apple's App Store. The new declarations will also give users and parents clearer information about the features an app offers.