Apple told developers that any app with dating or romantic-relationship features must carry an 18+ rating. That includes AI companion apps that do “sexual or romantic content.”
- Starting November 16, developers have to add new content descriptors so their age ratings match what the app actually does.
- This hits apps like Character.AI and Replika, where romance is one feature among many and a lot of users are young.
- It builds on Apple’s global age assurance rollout and its newer parental controls.
My take
Good. Kids don’t need an AI boyfriend or girlfriend telling them what they want to hear. As a guy who builds bots, I think companion AI is one of the riskiest uses out there, especially for lonely teens. Parents, check what’s actually on your kids’ phones. The rating only helps if Screen Time is set up.
God Bless, and May the Source Be with You!
