Apple is requiring apps with dating or romantic relationship features to carry an 18+ rating across the App Store. Starting November 16, developers must add new content descriptors so age ratings reflect app features. The policy also covers AI companion apps with sexual or romantic content, and apps must disclose whether they share a user's real-world location.
Apple is tightening its App Store rules to make it harder for minors to use online dating apps and AI companions that feature “sexual or romantic content.” The company announced the changes to developers on Monday.
The move follows other steps Apple has taken to protect young users, including the global rollout of its age assurance technology and more parental controls and child safety features.
Which apps must now carry an 18+ rating on the App Store?
Under the new policy, any app offering dating or romantic relationship features will need an 18+ rating. Most major dating services already limit their platforms to adults, but the rule now applies across the store. Starting November 16, developers will have to include new content descriptors so that an app’s age rating reflects its features, the company said.
Does Apple's age rule apply to AI companion apps?
The rule could have a bigger effect on AI companion apps, or on apps where companion or romantic functions are just one of many features. Character.AI, Replika and other AI apps, which are often aimed at younger people, let users create AI companions that can act as friends, lovers, boyfriends and girlfriends, and other fantasy characters.
xAI launched 3D animated AI companions last year that allowed users to unlock NSFW capabilities. As of last summer, top AI companion apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play had been downloaded 220 million times worldwide.
Apple is also requiring apps to disclose whether they share a user’s real-world location with another person or group. Those features raise obvious privacy concerns, particularly if the user did not know their location was being shared.
Are family location-sharing apps exempt in Brazil?
The company noted an exception in Brazil. Apps that provide location-sharing features for families can request an official rating from the country’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP/Ministério da Justiça e Segurança Pública) instead of being listed with the A16 rating, which local law requires.
Cet article a été rédigé avec l'assistance de l'IA.
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