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

Apple is updating its App Store policies to require 18+ ratings for dating apps and AI companions that engage in 'sexual or romantic content'. The new rules, set to take effect on November 16, also require developers to include new content descriptors to ensure their app's age ratings reflect its features. This change aims to protect minors from accessing online dating and AI companions. The policy update also includes a new requirement for apps to indicate if they share users' real-world locations with others as part of their functionality, citing privacy concerns. This change affects over 220 million downloads of top AI companion apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play, including Character.AI, Replika, and xAI, which offer 3D animated AI companions and NSFW capabilities. Apple has been rolling out age assurance technology and parental controls to better protect minors, following a similar approach to major dating services that typically restrict their platforms to adults.