Three Types of Features Singled Out, Filing Window Opens on November 16
On November 3, Apple announced that it will perform "major surgery" on App Store age ratings: any app with location sharing, or offering dating, real or virtual romantic relationship services, must be rated at least 18+. Starting November 16, when developers fill out the age rating questionnaire in App Store Connect, they must proactively declare whether their product includes location sharing and whether it touches on dating and AI companion features. All apps must complete this round of declarations by January 12, 2027 at the latest; thereafter, every time they submit an update or modify the age rating questionnaire, they must also go through this process.
Virtual Companions Are Written into the Definition, with the Red Line Drawn at "Sexual and Romantic Interaction"
The official boundaries are drawn very finely this time: location sharing refers to sharing real-world coordinates with others or groups; dating and romantic relationships cover matchmaking between real users, as well as "virtual companions capable of sexual or romantic interaction." In other words, AI lovers are explicitly included in the adult category. Apps with real or AI dating and romance features have their minimum rating locked at 18+; location-sharing apps depend on the region.
Take Brazil as an example: apps with location sharing must receive an A16 rating, while those with dating and romance features are forced to A18; if developers feel aggrieved—for example, tools dedicated to parent-child location sharing—they can apply to Brazil's Ministry of Justice and Public Security for a downgrade. The new rules kick the compliance ball back to developers, also meaning products focused on companionship and friend-making will face a stricter access gate.
