Apple sets 18+ minimum for dating and romantic companion apps

Apple will require App Store developers to disclose whether their apps offer dating, relationship or real-world location-sharing features, with the new declarations opening November 16 and due from all apps by January 12, 2027. Apple says apps with dating and relationship features will receive a minimum age rating of 18, including services connecting people and virtual companions engaging in romantic or sexual content. Developers will provide the information through the age-rating questionnaire in App Store Connect when submitting an app update or changing an existing questionnaire. Apple says every app must complete the declarations by the deadline, including apps that do not offer any of the specified features. The requirements are an announced policy; the reporting does not describe enforcement or resulting ratings. Apple distinguishes dating and relationship functions from shared-location tools. Dating and relationship features trigger the minimum 18+ rating, while shared-location functionality may not affect an app’s minimum rating in some regions. Apple defines shared location as allowing users to share their real-world location with another person or group. Regional...