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Apple is restricting a fast-growing category of apps. Here’s what users need to know

Fast Company
3 days 8 hours ago

Apple is about to put greater restrictions on dating apps and AI companions. 

Starting on November 16, the company will require developers to declare whether their apps use AI to facilitate romantic connections. The apps that do use artificial intelligence—whether it’s an AI companion or technology that assists humans in connecting with one another—will only be allowed for users older than 18. 

According to Apple’s November 2 announcement, apps will have to declare whether they offer real-world location sharing, as well as “features that enable dating or relationship connections between real people and/or a virtual companion that engages a user in sexual or romantic content.”

In addition, the announcement stated that app creators “must provide these declarations when submitting an app update or making changes to your age-rating questionnaire.” It noted that the declarations must be complete by January 12, and said that all apps using the technology must have a minimum age rating of 18-plus. 

In some places, location sharing won’t automatically impact minimum age restrictions, such as in Brazil, where regulations only require an above-16 rating. 

Dating apps have been widely adopting AI to assist romance-seekers in making connections. Apps like Hinge, Tinder, and Bumble use AI for tasks like helping with profile creation, choosing photos, suggesting matches, and more. And earlier this year, Bumble announced it’s introducing an AI matchmaker named “Bee” to the app.

Of course, the age-related changes may not be widely felt on dating apps themselves, given most dating platforms already have 18-plus age restrictions in place. Still, many AI companion companies have a large number of teen users. Some of the most popular apps teenagers are using to connect with nonhuman companions are Character.AI, Nomi, Replika, and ChatGPT. But while ChatGPT and Claude aren’t aimed at companionship, teens are using them that way in droves. 

According to a 2025 survey from Common Sense Media, 72% of teens ages 13 to 17 have used AI companions at least once. But a staggering 52% engage with them regularly. In maybe the survey’s most telling finding, 31% said these interactions are more satisfying than talking to humans. 

Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that helps parents navigate tech and entertainment, has routinely recommended that AI companions should not be used by anyone younger than 18. In an April 2025 press release, James P. Steyer, the organization’s CEO, warned that AI companions are dangerous for minors for a host of reasons. “Social AI companions are not safe for kids. They are designed to create emotional attachment and dependency, which is particularly concerning for developing adolescent brains.”

Steyer continued: “Our testing showed these systems easily produce harmful responses, including sexual misconduct, stereotypes, and dangerous ‘advice’ that, if followed, could have life-threatening or deadly real-world impact for teens and other vulnerable people.” 

Fast Company reached out to Apple about the recent announcement but did not hear back by the time of publication.