Apple restricts dating apps and AI companions to users 18 and up

Apple announced new App Store policies requiring all apps with dating or romantic relationship features to carry an 18+ age rating, starting November 16. Developers must also add new content descriptors so app age ratings accurately reflect their features. The rules notably affect AI companion apps like Character.AI and Replika, which let users create AI friends, lovers, and fantasy characters, and are often popular with younger users. Apps that share a user's real-world location with others must also disclose this functionality. The changes are part of Apple's broader efforts to protect minors, including global age assurance technology and expanded parental controls. In Brazil, family location-sharing apps may request an official rating from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security instead of the required A16 rating.

(Source：TechCrunch)