In brief

• Apple is raising the minimum age rating to 18+ for dating apps and AI chatbots that allow romantic or sexual interaction.
• Developers must declare location-sharing and dating or relationship features in their App Store submissions.
• The new disclosure requirements take effect on November 16.

Who is affected

Apple plans to assign an 18+ minimum rating to apps that offer dating or relationship features. AI companion chatbots capable of romantic or sexual content are expected to receive the same rating. (Apple to Place Stricter Age Restrictions on Dating Apps and Some AI Chatbots – Gizmodo) (Apple restricts dating apps and AI companions to users 18 and up – TechCrunch) (Apple is restricting dating apps and romanceable chatbots to over 18s – The Verge)

Developer disclosure requirements

Under the new rules, developers must indicate in their App Store submissions whether users can share their real-world location with other people, and whether the app lets real people or virtual companions engage in dating, relationship or sexual interaction. The changes take effect on November 16. (Любовь под цензурой. Apple ужесточает требования к приложениям для знакомств и романтическим ИИ-ботам в App Store – NV)

Impact of location sharing

Apps that offer location sharing will see their minimum age rating affected in some regions, depending on local regulations.

Why it matters

The move brings AI companions, a fast-growing category that previously faced looser ratings, under Apple's age-rating system. Developers will need to review how their apps describe romantic features before the rules apply.