Technology
Apple requires 18+ age ratings for dating and relationship apps
Developers must declare location-sharing and dating features starting November 16, with all apps compliant by January 12, 2027.
The short version
- Apple announced updated App Store age rating rules that take effect November 16.[9to5Mac]
- Apps with dating and relationship features will receive a minimum age rating of 18+.[9to5Mac]
- In Brazil, local rules set an A16 rating for location-sharing apps and A18 for dating and relationship apps.[9to5Mac]
- Developers must submit declarations with app updates or questionnaire changes, with all apps required to comply by January 12, 2027.[9to5Mac]
Key facts
- Apple announced in its Developer News blog that the updated age rating requirements take effect November 16.[9to5Mac]
- Developers must declare whether apps include location-sharing or dating and relationship features when completing the age rating questionnaire in App Store Connect.[9to5Mac]
- Apple states that apps including dating and relationship features receive a minimum age rating of 18+.[9to5Mac]
- Apple notes that Brazilian regulations require an A16 rating for location-sharing apps and an A18 rating for dating and relationship apps.[9to5Mac]
- Developers must provide these declarations when submitting an app update or changing their age rating questionnaire, with all apps required to complete them by January 12, 2027.[9to5Mac]
- Separately, a 2026 Common Sense Media report surveyed more than 1,000 children ages 9 to 17 and found that many were already treating AI as a confidant.[CNET]
What remains uncertain
- Whether location-sharing affects an app's minimum age rating depends on the region, and Apple says it may have no impact in some regions.[9to5Mac]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.