Apples new 18+ app limits mean little for dating apps, a lot for AI companions

Apple wants to make sure dating apps and AI companions with "sexual or romantic content" are only for people over 18, with new restrictions coming Nov. 16.Though most dating platforms like Tinder, Hinge, Bumble are already strictly for users over 18, Apple's updated policy requires all apps that include dating and relationship features to have a minimum 18+ age rating in App Store Connect, Apple's command centre for developers managing iOS apps. Devs will also have to disclose whether their app enables real-time location sharing.Mandatory age rating is a rather incremental update for dating apps, which as mentioned, are usually restricted to users over 18 by the developers themselves. However, as TechCrunch rightly points out, one of the more indeterminate impacts of Apple's policy could be that on minors' use of AI companions. Artificial intelligence companions from the likes of Replika, Nomi, and the now bankrupt Character.AI, have been widely used by teens for years. As Mashable's Rebecca Ruiz reports, they're platforms specifically designed for emotional intimacy; a 2025 survey of U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 found that 52 percent regularly use AI companions, and 33 percent use them for social interaction and relationships, including friendship, role-playing, emotional support, and romantic interactions.However, experts have long said AI companions aren't safe for teens under 18, with researchers at Common Sense Media (a U.S. nonprofit providing technology analysis and guidance for parents) rigorously testing Character.AI, Nomi, and Replika for a major 2025 report. The best tech deal this week The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is free right now with T-Mobile Products available for purchase through affiliate links. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. Mashable Light Speed James P. Steyer, the nonprofit's founder and CEO, said in a statement at the time, "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. 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."In the study, researchers found that "safety measures are easily circumvented," including age gates and terms of service restrictions on teen use. Common Sense Media has since published more research criticising AI companion platforms for relying on "ineffective self reporting for age assurance." Replika CEO Dmytro Klochko told Mashable in 2025 that the platform is intended only for users over 18 — and the company's Terms of Service confirms this — but as Ruiz writes, "Klochko acknowledged that some users attempt to bypass 'strict protocols' for preventing underage access." Whether Apple's new policy will adequately address such concerns is yet to be determined, as all apps must complete the declarations by Jan. 12, 2027. Meanwhile, the global debate over age verification remains one of the major topics concerning Big Tech and teens today — along with social media bans, of course.Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts.