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Apple to rate apps featuring dating or virtual companions 18+
Apple will require developers to disclose whether their apps support dating or romantic and sexual interactions with virtual companions, as part of changes to its App Store age-rating questionnaire. Apps identified as containing dating or relationship content will receive an 18+ rating, which matters for young users whose devices have parental content restrictions.
The questionnaire will also ask whether an app shares a user’s real-world location with other people or groups; this will not usually affect its rating, though some countries, including Brazil, require a minimum age of 16. The new questions appear in App Store Connect on 16 November, and developers must answer them for all their apps by 12 January 2027, including when submitting new apps or updating existing ones.
In short
- Dating and relationship apps will be rated 18+.
- Virtual companion relationships are included.
- Developers must complete the questions by 12 January 2027.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
An 18+ rating can help parents make informed choices and prevent younger users from accessing dating or sexual interactions with virtual companions. Requiring developers to disclose these features also gives Apple a consistent way to apply parental restrictions as app content evolves.
The case against
A blanket 18+ rating may treat very different apps and levels of interaction alike, limiting access even where the content is mild or educational. Critics could argue that disclosure and more tailored age ratings would protect young users while preserving family choice and avoiding unnecessary restrictions.
Explained simply
Apple runs the App Store, where developers publish apps for iPhone and other Apple devices. Each app has an age rating to help users and parents judge whether its content is suitable, and parental controls can restrict access to apps above a chosen age.
Dating apps connect people seeking relationships, while some newer apps offer conversations or romantic interactions with computer-generated characters called virtual companions. Sharing a person’s real-world location can also affect their privacy and safety, and age-rating rules differ between countries.
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Originally published by Engadget as “Apple will start mandating age requirements for dating apps”.