Apple Sets 18+ App Store Rating for Romantic AI Companions

Developers must answer the new questions when they update an app or change their questionnaire. All apps must complete the disclosure by January 12, 2027.

Open questions for general chatbots

Apple's notice never uses the word "AI" and names no apps. It also does not say how it will treat general-purpose assistants such as ChatGPT, which users can steer into romantic conversations. Because developers make the declaration themselves, how individual apps are classified will only become clear after November 16.

OpenAI's planned "adult mode" is another variable. In December 2025, CEO Sam Altman said verified adults would be allowed sexual content as age verification expanded. The launch was later pushed to January–March 2026, and in March reports said the plan had been shelved indefinitely. If it ever ships, ChatGPT would officially offer such interactions.

Why it matters

A survey in Japan's 2026 information and communications white paper asked users of generative AI what the technology is to them. In Japan, 2.8% answered "a romantic partner"; in the US the figure was 9.0%, the highest of the four countries surveyed. In China it was 6.6% and in Germany 6.1%.

Concern about minors is a clear backdrop. A 2025 survey by the US nonprofit Common Sense Media of 1,060 teens aged 13 to 17 found that 72% had used AI companions. Of those users, 33% had discussed important or serious matters with AI instead of with a person. The group recommends that under-18s not use AI companions.

Whatever the outcome, Apple's rule makes no distinction between a human or an AI as the romantic partner.