In order to comply with increasing global regulations, Apple is asking all app developers to declare if an app offers location sharing features, dating, or romantic interactions of any kind.
Apple started enforcing self-reporting of age-rating details in 2025 to get ahead of more specific age gating regulations. The system is being tweaked over time, and new changes have been revealed.
In a developer news post first spotted by MacRumors, Apple shared that starting November 16, App Store Connect will include new content descriptors regarding age ratings. Developers will need to declare if their app offers shared location or features of romantic interest.
Developers have until January 12, 2027 to make the necessary declarations. They can be made when an app update is submitted or the age rating questionnaire is changed.
All apps with dating and relationship features, whether interacting with other humans or AI chatbots, will get a rating of 18+. Shared location features will get ratings based on local laws.
For example, Brazil requires an A16 rating for shared location features. If the developer believes their app qualifies for a lower rating due to app use for parents and children, they can request an official rating from Brazil's Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
Apple focused a significant portion of WWDC on child safety features for the OS 27 cycle. While they're not foolproof and can be abused by some parents, they exist as a means to provide tools to those that need them and satisfy regulators.
