Apple to make dating apps and romantic AI chatbots 18+ only

Apple is changing its App Store rules to keep younger users safe. The company announced to app makers on Monday that it will restrict minors from using online dating platforms and AI chatbots that feature "sexual or romantic content".

Starting November 16, Apple will ask app developers to use new labels to ensure their app's age rating accurately matches what it does. Because of this, any app that helps people find dates or offers romantic relationships will automatically get an 18+ age rating.

This update follows other safety steps Apple has taken globally, like adding better parental controls and age-checking features.How this affects AI apps

While regular dating apps usually restrict users under 18 anyway, this new rule will heavily affect the fast-growing market of AI companion apps. Many of these apps are very popular among younger people.

Apps like Character.AI and Replika let users talk to virtual friends, romantic partners, and fantasy characters. Last year, xAI also launched 3D animated virtual companions with adult features. As of last summer, top AI companion apps were downloaded 220 million times globally across Apple and Google app stores.

Now, if an AI app offers a romantic or sexual chatbot, it must carry an 18+ rating. While the new App Store questions start appearing on November 16, app makers have a strict deadline of January 12, 2027, to fully update their apps.

Apple is also taking a strict step for privacy. Under the new rules, if an app shares a user’s real-world location with another person or group, it must clearly state this using specific labels. This is to stop situations where users might be sharing their location with strangers without realizing it.

There is a specific update for Brazil. In Brazil, apps that share locations for families can ask the government's Ministry of Justice and Public Security for an official age rating instead of being forced into the local A16 rating.- EndsAlso Read | Apple set all-time revenue record in India last quarter, says CEO John TernusAlso Read | Apple's iPhone Duo is facing massive delays, and the company doesn't know when it will endAlso Read | Apple says don't expect cheaper iPhones or MacBooks, big discounts anytime soon

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