Apple Mandates 18+ Rating for Dating and AI Companion Apps
Apple restricts dating apps and AI companions to users 18 and up
Apple has updated its App Store Review Guidelines, requiring all apps offering dating features or containing romantic and sexually suggestive content—including AI companions—to be rated 18+. Starting November 16, developers must include new content descriptors, a move set to directly impact virtual companion platforms popular among younger audiences, such as Character.AI and Replika. In addition, the updated rules mandate clear labeling for apps that share real-world locations with others to reduce privacy risks for minors.
By enforcing an 18+ age rating on AI companion apps featuring romantic or sexual content, Apple has significantly tightened distribution standards for virtual companionship products accessible to minors.
Source:TechCrunch AI · techcrunch.com