Apple Mandates 18+ Age Rating for Dating and AI Companion Apps

Apple has updated its App Store guidelines to restrict online dating services and artificial intelligence companion apps to users aged 18 and older. Starting November 16, developers must disclose if their apps feature romantic or sexual content, virtual companions, or real-world location sharing, with all compliance declarations due by January 12. The rules target platforms such as Character.AI, Replika, and Nomi, which have accumulated over 220 million downloads across major platforms, potentially altering user growth and monetization amid tighter global child safety regulations.