Apple has announced a new App Store age rating policy that will require apps featuring dating, romantic relationships, and virtual companion functionality to enforce a minimum age restriction of 18+. The policy will take effect on November 16, 2026, by which time developers must mandatorily declare in the age rating questionnaire in App Store Connect whether their app includes location sharing or dating and romantic relationship features. Apps that allow real users or virtual AI companions to form romantic relationships and that involve romantic or sexual content will all receive a minimum rating of 18+; apps containing real-time location sharing features will be rated in accordance with regional regulations. All existing and newly submitted apps must complete the declaration and updates by January 12, 2027. This move reflects the tech industry's further tightening of compliance regulation for AI emotional companionship and social apps, as well as its strengthening of digital safety governance for minors.