# Apple restricts dating and AI companion apps to users 18 and up

> Original title: Apple restricts dating apps and AI companions to users 18 and up

- Source: TechCrunch · AI
- Published: 2026-11-03T15:38:27.000Z
- Bad Influence: https://badinfluence.news/items/ewvf8lzr8yo3mnosw5ldsk0w1
- Original: https://techcrunch.com/2026/11/03/apple-restricts-dating-apps-and-ai-companions-to-users-18-and-up/

## Summary

Apple is requiring all apps with dating or romantic relationship features to carry an 18+ rating, starting with new content descriptors due November 16. The rule could affect AI companion apps like Character.AI and Replika, which were downloaded 220 million times globally as of last summer. Apps that share users' real-world locations with others must also disclose this.