Apple Updates App Store Questionnaire With Strict Adult Ratings for Virtual Companions
Apple announced on Monday, November 2, 2026, that it is implementing a minimum 18+ age rating for any application on the App Store featuring dating functions or virtual companions designed for romantic or sexual exchanges, Frandroid reported. The changes arrive through two new additions to the developer questionnaire used to calculate minimum age requirements. Developers face a strict deadline of January 12, 2027, to complete these declarations for existing software, while compliance becomes mandatory for every update submitted starting November 16, 2026.
Dating Apps and AI Relationships Face Automatic Adult Classification
The updated developer rules separate submissions into two distinct categories. The first targets real-time location sharing, while the second covers dating features and virtual relationships. Frandroid specified that this requirement brings simulated artificial intelligence relationships under the same regulatory scrutiny as human dating platforms. iPhoneSoft added that developers must complete these declarations inside App Store Connect when submitting updates.
Federal Trade Commission Opens Inquiry into Companion Chatbots
On September 11, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission opened an inquiry targeting seven companies—including OpenAI, Meta, Snap, and Character.AI—over the psychological effects of companion chatbots on minors, according to Frandroid. While the rule applies globally, regional laws create specific enforcement variances. iPhoneAddict.fr noted that Brazil enforces a mandatory classification for location sharing and dating functions, though developers can petition the Brazilian Ministry of Justice and Public Security for adjusted ratings on parental monitoring tools.
Developers Face January 2027 Deadline for Metadata Updates
Developers have until January 12, 2027, to update their metadata across the App Store, with the mandatory questionnaire integration taking effect on November 16, 2026. Mac4Ever observed that these classifications rely heavily on developer honesty within App Store Connect, followed by reviews from Apple’s app validation team. Frandroid highlighted that these labels only take effect if parents manually configure device restrictions. Users must go to Settings, select Screen Time, and adjust the content restrictions for the App Store to match the desired age thresholds.
