Apple will require App Store developers to declare dating features, romantic or sexual virtual companions and real-world location sharing, with dating and relationship apps getting a minimum 18-plus age rating, The Verge and Engadget reported Monday^1,2.

The new content descriptors will appear in the App Store Connect age-rating questionnaire starting Nov. 16, and developers must complete the declarations for all apps by Jan. 12, 2027^1,2.

Developers will have to say whether an app lets users share their real-world location with another person or group, and whether it includes features that enable dating, relationship or sexual behavior between real people or virtual companions^1,2.

Engadget said apps declared to have dating and relationship content will not appear in the App Store for users under 18 if parents or guardians have set content restrictions, and that underage users who can still see those listings will have to provide Apple proof they are adults to purchase or download them².

The Verge said Apple already has an 18-plus category that has largely applied to gambling, violence, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, nudity or sexual content, and that most dating platforms are already adult-only¹.

Location-sharing declarations will change minimum age ratings in some regions depending on local rules¹. Engadget said most regions will not change age ratings for location sharing, but cited Brazil as requiring 16-plus for apps that share location².

The Verge framed the change as an effort to keep minors off AI chatbots and virtual companion simulators that support sexual or romantic interactions¹. Engadget focused on store visibility and age-proof downloads rather than companion-bot risks².

Apple's developer notice, cited by both outlets, is the primary announcement; neither report quoted Apple executives beyond that guidance^1,2.