New App Store age rating guidance is being introduced for dating apps, romanceable virtual companions, and location sharing.New App Store age rating guidance is being introduced for dating apps, romanceable virtual companions, and location sharing.Nov 3, 2026, 1:22 PM UTCIllustration by Alex Castro / The VergeApple will soon start asking developers to provide more details about their apps to enforce new App Store age rating requirements for dating and location-sharing features. The upcoming content descriptors announced on Monday will require developers to declare if their apps allow users to share their real-world location with others, or include features that enable dating, relationship, or sexual behaviour between real people or virtual companions.Apps that include dating and relationships features will receive a minimum age rating of 18, while those with location sharing will see an impact to their minimum age rating in some regions, depending on local regulations. These updates will be included in the App Store Connect age rating questionnaire starting November 16th, and all apps will be required to complete the new declarations by January 12th, 2027.Apple already has an 18-plus rating category for the App Store, but this has largely applied to apps that feature gambling, violence, references to drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, and nudity or sexual content. Most dating platforms are also adult-only, but Apple extending its ratings is an effort to prevent minors from slipping through the cracks. These expanding restrictions also aim to keep them away from both AI chatbots that support sexual or romantic interactions, and virtual “girlfriend/boyfriend” simulators that could pose mental health risks.Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.Jess WeatherbedThe Verge DailyA free daily digest of the news that matters most.Email (required)By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Apple is restricting dating apps and romanceable chatbots to over 18s
