Apple requires dating and AI companion apps to be rated 18+
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On November 3, 2026, TechCrunch reported that Apple adjusted its App Store policy: apps offering dating or romance features, or containing sexual or romantic content, must all be labeled with an 18+ rating, which is expected to affect AI companion apps such as Character.AI and Replika. Under the new rules, starting November 16, developers must add new content descriptors to comply. In addition, Apple now requires apps offering real-time location sharing to add a corresponding label; in Brazil, family location apps may apply to the local Ministry of Justice and Public Security for an official rating as an alternative to requirement A16. There have been no further reports of affected apps being removed or of developer responses; the latest status is Apple's policy announcement and transition arrangements.
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- TechCrunch · AIApple restricts dating apps and AI companions to users 18 and up
Apple is updating App Store policy to require any app with dating or romance features, or sexual or romantic content, to carry an 18+ rating. From November 16, developers must fill in new content descriptors. The rules could affect AI companion apps such as Character.AI and Replika. Apps offering real location sharing also need new labels, and family locator apps in Brazil can apply to the local Ministry of Justice and Public Security for an official rating in place of the A16 requirement.
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