Apple has announced the introduction of a new age rating rule in the App Store that will affect all apps providing dating, romantic, or sexual communication features with other people or virtual characters. Starting November 16, 2026, developers will be required to disclose the presence of such features when completing the age rating questionnaire in App Store Connect. Apps meeting the described criteria will automatically receive an age rating of no lower than 18+, regardless of previously set restrictions. The company's decision aims to restrict minor users' access to content intended for an adult audience and expands the framework within which Apple controls age labels in its app store.
Two New Questions in the Age Rating Questionnaire
According to the published announcement, two additional questions will be included in the age rating questionnaire. The first concerns the app's ability to introduce users to each other or to virtual characters, as well as to establish romantic or sexual relationships between them. The second item relates to users sharing their real-time location with other individuals or groups. Filling out these fields will become mandatory when submitting app updates or changing the age category. A transition period has been established for developers of already published programs: additional fields must be filled out by January 12, 2027.
AI Companions Explicitly Included in the Rules for the First Time
Special attention in the updated policy is given to apps utilizing artificial intelligence to create virtual conversational partners. If an AI companion is capable of maintaining conversations on romantic or sexual topics, it falls under the same requirements as traditional dating services and receives an 18+ rating. This means an entire class of products — from chatbots with 'characters' to interactive stories with romantic undertones — will be automatically restricted to users under 18. Previously, such apps often passed moderation with a 12+ or 16+ rating, allowing underage users to interact with content formally not intended for their age.
Geolocation: A Differentiated Approach by Country
Apple does not apply a uniform automatic 18+ rating to apps with geolocation sharing features. The company explains this by noting that the legislation of different countries provides various restrictions on location sharing. Brazil is cited as an example, where apps allowing users to share locations must have a rating of at least 16+, whereas dating and virtual relationship services have an 18+ threshold. A developer who believes their product is intended for a younger audience can apply for a separate classification to the Brazilian Ministry of Justice and Public Security. Apple also provides the example of family apps used by parents to track children's locations: such programs can qualify for a lower age rating after review by a local regulator.
Transition Period and Deadlines for Developers
New details will need to be provided with every app update submission or age category change. Developers whose programs are already published in the App Store must complete the additional questionnaire fields by January 12, 2027. Until this date, apps will continue to function with their previous age labels, but after the deadline, non-compliance with the new requirements may result in an update rejection or, in extreme cases, the removal of the app from the storefront. Apple has not disclosed what exact sanctions will be applied to violators, but the company's practice in such cases typically includes a request for correction and temporary update blocking.
Context: Expanding the Age Verification System
The new rule integrates into Apple's broader strategy for controlling age-based access in the App Store. Previously, the company launched age verification tools in several countries, including Australia, Brazil, and Singapore. To download 18+ rated apps in these countries, users must verify their majority directly within the system. Additionally, developers have been provided with the Declared Age Range API, allowing them to receive information about the user's age category and adapt content accordingly. The introduction of a mandatory 18+ rating for dating apps and romantic AI companions logically complements this infrastructure, closing a loophole where such services could pass moderation with lowered age labels.
