Apple Sets Age Limit for Dating and AI Apps

Apple is imposing an 18+ rating on any app that includes dating or relationship features and is requesting new content descriptors. Starting November 16, developers will need to update their App Store listings, including indicating location sharing. This measure comes as AI companions accumulate hundreds of millions of downloads, with some offerings including NSFW options. Apple frames this tightening as part of a broader set of protections for minors.

A Already Massive and Sometimes NSFW AI Companion Market

Last summer, the leading AI companion apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play totaled 220 million downloads worldwide. Services like Character.AI and Replika allow users to create virtual companions, whether they be friends, lovers, boyfriends, girlfriends, or other fantasy characters. Last year, xAI launched 3D animated AI companions with capabilities that users could unlock in NSFW mode. These offerings are often aimed at a younger audience.

What Apps Will Need to Display and Limit

All apps offering dating or romantic relationship features will now need to be rated 18+. Starting November 16, developers will need to add new content descriptors so that the age rating accurately reflects the features. Apps will also need to indicate whether they share a user's actual location with others or groups. Such sharing raises privacy concerns, especially if the user is unaware. Apple specifies that in Brazil, family-oriented location-sharing apps can seek an official rating from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, rather than applying the A16 rating mandated by local law.

Timeline and Existing Measures at Apple

Apple is adjusting App Store policies to limit minors' access to dating apps and AI companions involving sexual or romantic content. This change was communicated to developers on a Monday. The tightening is part of a series of measures aimed at protecting minors: global deployment of age verification technology, addition of parental controls, and safety features for children. The requirement to integrate new content descriptors will take effect starting November 16.