Apple will require dating apps and artificial intelligence companion apps offering romantic or sexual interactions to carry an 18-plus App Store rating. Developers must also disclose whether their apps share users’ real-world locations. The new questions appear in App Store Connect on Nov. 16; developers must submit the disclosures for all apps by Jan. 12, 2027 [techcrunch.com][9to5mac.com][cnet.com]. The dating classification covers connections with real people and virtual companions, including apps where romance is one feature among others. Disclosing location sharing does not automatically raise an app’s rating everywhere, but Brazilian rules require A16 for location sharing and A18 for dating. Eligible family-location apps can seek a lower official rating from Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security [pcmag.com][techcrunch.com][digitaltrends.com]. Apple’s parental controls block children from downloading 18-plus apps when families set age-based restrictions, though the label alone does not prevent every minor from accessing an app. Apple says developers must answer the new questions when submitting updates or changing an age-rating questionnaire. The January deadline applies to all existing apps [theclinic.cl][macobserver.com][computerbase.de]. Highlights: • Rapid adoption: Popular AI companion apps on Apple’s App Store and Google Play had reached 220 million global downloads by summer 2025 [techcrunch.com][antaranews.com]. • Parent exceptions: Children can ask a parent to approve an app that exceeds age-based download limits [theclinic.cl]. • Broader features: The location question can capture functions beyond dating, including messaging apps that let users share their location with contacts [heise.de]. • Platform limits: The policy applies to Apple’s App Store; it does not cover AI chatbots used through web browsers or apps on Android devices [n1info.ba]. Perspectives: Common Sense Media: The nonprofit has warned that AI companion relationships can pose risks to minors, especially emotional attachment and dependency. A 2025 study it cited found nearly three-quarters of teens had used AI companions [cnet.com]. (CNET) Apple: The company says the disclosures will help age ratings reflect app features and comply with regional requirements [maclife.de][digitaltrends.com]. (MacLife) Sources: • Apple Restricts Dating Apps and AI Platforms to 18 and Older - macobserver.com • Apple restricts dating apps and AI companions to users 18 and up - techcrunch.com • Apple Is Putting an Age Limit on Falling in Love With AI - cnet.com • Apple Is Making It Harder for Kids to Find Dating Apps, AI Companions - pcmag.com • Apple to Place Stricter Age Restrictions on Dating Apps and Some AI Chatbots - gizmodo.com • Apple is adding new App Store age ratings for dating and location-sharing apps - digitaltrends.com • Apple Tightens App Store Rules for Dating Apps and AI Companions - androidheadlines.com • Apple Requiring Developers to Disclose Location Sharing and Dating Features in Apps - reddit.com • Apple to require 18+ age ratings for dating apps and AI romantic companions - 9to5mac.com • Apple App Store: Dating- und KI-Apps künftig erst ab 18 Jahren erlaubt - computerbase.de • Apple verschärft Altersfreigaben für Dating-Apps und Standortfreigaben - maclife.de • App Store: Dating-Apps und romantische KI-Begleiter gibt es künftig erst ab 18 - macerkopf.de • Apple perketat aturan soal aplikasi kencan dan pendamping berbasis AI - antaranews.com • Apple restringirá a mayores de 18 años las apps de citas y de parejas virtuales con IA - theclinic.cl • Apple verschärft Altersfreigaben für Dating-Apps und Standortfreigabe - heise.de • Apple uvodi oznaku 18+ za aplikacije za upoznavanje i romantične AI pratioce - n1info.ba • App Store: Dating-Apps müssen künftig ab 18 sein - iphone-ticker.de • AI虛擬戀人全列18禁！蘋果宣布11/16起強制開發者申報「真實位置共享」與「交友戀愛功能 - mashdigi.com • App Store: Neue Altersfreigaben für Standortfreigabe und Dating - stadt-bremerhaven.de • Apps with dating & location sharing features must be disclosed by January 2027 - appleinsider.com • Apple inför åldersgräns för fler appar – då börjar den gälla - nyheter24.se --- 📰 Story aggregated by Kagi News