Apps with dating & location sharing features must be disclosed by January 2027
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Apple will require every iOS app developer to self‑report whether the app includes location‑sharing or any dating or romantic‑interaction features, adding new content descriptors to App Store Connect on Nov. 16. Developers must submit the declarations by Jan. 12, 2027, either with an update or by revising the age‑rating questionnaire. Apps that enable dating or relationship functions—whether with other users or AI chatbots—will be assigned an 18+ rating, while location‑sharing tools will receive ratings that reflect local legal requirements, such as Brazil’s mandatory A16 label. Developers can appeal for a lower rating in Brazil by requesting an official assessment from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. The move expands Apple’s 2025 self‑reporting framework and aligns the App Store with tightening child‑safety regulations.
💡 Why It Matters
- · The mandate gives regulators direct insight into apps that could expose minors to adult content or precise location data, tightening the App Store’s compliance backbone.