Apple restricts dating apps and AI companions to users 18 and up

What happened: Apple told developers it will require all apps with dating or romantic relationship features to carry an 18+ rating, and will add content descriptors for apps with sexual or romantic content and for location sharing. Key numbers: New descriptors required starting November 16. Why it matters: The policy extends beyond dating apps to AI companion apps such as Character.AI and Replika, which are often targeted at younger users. It follows Apple's global rollout of age assurance technology and added parental controls.

Apple told developers it will require all apps with dating or romantic relationship features to carry an 18+ rating, and will add content descriptors for apps with sexual or romantic content and for location sharing.

The policy extends beyond dating apps to AI companion apps such as Character.AI and Replika, which are often targeted at younger users. It follows Apple's global rollout of age assurance technology and added parental controls.