Apple is tightening its App Store age-rating requirements, introducing an 18+ classification for applications that allow users to develop romantic or sexual relationships with artificial intelligence companions. The changes, scheduled to take effect on November 16, 2026, will affect both traditional dating platforms and AI-powered services offering virtual partners.
The new policy expands Apple’s existing age-rating system to cover relationship features involving either real people or virtual characters. Developers will be required to disclose whether their applications support dating, romantic interactions, or sexual content when submitting information through App Store Connect.
AI companion platforms such as Character.AI and Replika could be affected because they allow users to interact with customizable virtual personalities, including characters designed to simulate romantic relationships. However, the requirements do not mean that every AI chatbot will automatically receive an adult rating. The classification depends on the relationship features an application provides.
The updated rules will apply to new submissions and existing applications. Developers must provide the relevant declarations when updating their apps or changing their age-rating information, with January 12, 2027, set as the deadline for completing the revised questionnaire.
Apple is also introducing additional disclosure requirements for applications that share users’ real-world locations with other individuals or groups. Such features may influence minimum age ratings depending on regional regulations. In Brazil, for example, location-sharing applications are subject to specific age-classification requirements, although developers can request an official rating from the country’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
The restrictions arrive amid increasing scrutiny of AI companions and their potential effects on younger users. Unlike conventional chatbots designed primarily to answer questions or assist with tasks, companion applications can encourage ongoing personal interactions and simulate emotional connections.
Researchers and child-safety advocates have raised concerns about inappropriate conversations, harmful responses, and the handling of sensitive personal information shared with virtual companions. Some platforms have also faced criticism over their interactions with vulnerable users, particularly teenagers.
Apple has not publicly attributed its latest policy changes to any specific incident or research finding. Nevertheless, the new classification introduces a clearer distinction between general-purpose AI applications and services that facilitate romantic or sexual relationships.
The changes also follow Apple’s broader efforts to strengthen age-appropriate experiences across its ecosystem, including expanded parental controls and age-assurance features.
For developers, the immediate requirement is to review their applications’ functionality and accurately disclose features covered by the updated questionnaire. Apps offering romantic or sexual interactions with virtual companions will receive a minimum 18+ rating, potentially limiting their accessibility to younger users through the App Store’s age-based restrictions.