Apple has announced upcoming updates to App Store Connect that will introduce new mandatory content descriptors for location sharing and romantic relationship features. Starting November 16, 2026, developers submitting new app builds or updating existing metadata will be required to answer dedicated questions regarding these capabilities to ensure age ratings accurately reflect actual software functionality.
The updated rules form part of Apple's ongoing effort to align App Store age ratings with regional regulations and child safety standards across international markets. Under the revised guidelines, all apps featuring romantic connections or location sharing must complete the updated questionnaire before early 2027.
App Store Connect Age Rating Content Descriptors Overview
The mandatory questionnaire update introduces two specific primary categories inside the management console: Shared Location and Dating and Relationships. The Shared Location descriptor requires developers to declare whether their application enables the sharing of a user's real-world location with another individual or group. Meanwhile, the Dating and Relationships descriptor covers platforms that facilitate romantic or social connection between real human users, as well as virtual companions that engage users in romantic or sexual content.
New App Store Connect Content Declaration Mandates
The revised content declaration mandates target emerging software trends alongside traditional software categories. Crucially, Apple's updated definition for romantic content explicitly encompasses virtual companions and conversational artificial intelligence chatbots configured for romantic or intimate interaction. This ensures that next-generation AI software experiences adhere to identical rating thresholds as established social and matchmaking platforms.
The initiative builds on recent privacy updates across Apple's software platforms. With features such as on-device selfie age verification for Apple Accounts expanding across consumer devices, accurate backend metadata in App Store Connect ensures content restrictions function effectively across parental control systems.
Requirements for Shared Location and Dating Features
Under the new policy, any application that declares Dating and Relationships features will automatically receive a minimum global age rating of 18+. This rating threshold restricts visibility and installation access on supervised devices managed via parental control settings. Apps containing location sharing tools are handled dynamically based on regional law; while location sharing may not alter minimum age requirements in many Western territories, specific international jurisdictions enforce stricter age floors.
Compliance Timeline and Deadlines for Developers
Apple will begin rolling out the new questionnaire descriptors within App Store Connect on November 16, 2026. Developers will be required to provide answers whenever they submit an app update or manually edit their age rating questionnaire after this date.
To ensure total ecosystem compliance, Apple has set a final deadline of January 12, 2027. By this date, all published applications on the App Store must have these content descriptors completed, even if the application has not received an active software update during the intervening period.
Regional Rating Adjustments and Brazil Compliance
Regional compliance forms a core driver of the new App Store Connect age rating content descriptors. In Brazil, local regulations mandate a minimum rating of A16 for applications incorporating Shared Location functionality, and an A18 rating for apps declared under Dating and Relationships.
Apple has outlined an official administrative pathway for developers whose applications might otherwise be miscategorized under generic regional rules. For example, if a developer publishes a family safety or parenting application that utilizes real-world location tracking specifically designed for child safety, the developer can apply for an official rating directly from Brazil's Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP). Once verified by the ministry, the approved official rating will display on the Brazilian App Store.
Steps for Developers to Update Age Rating Questionnaires
App creators can prepare for the transition by reviewing their current App Store Connect configurations ahead of the November launch. To update age rating descriptors once live, developers should follow standard submission procedures:
- Log into App Store Connect and select the target application.
- Navigate to the App Information section under the general metadata tab.
- Locate the Age Rating field and select edit to open the revised questionnaire.
- Answer the new questions regarding real-world location sharing and dating or virtual companion features.
- Save and submit the updated metadata alongside the next app update or build submission.
As regulatory scrutiny around digital safety increases worldwide, Apple's structural adjustments in App Store Connect offer developers clear guidelines to maintain global compliance while ensuring users receive accurate content ratings before downloading software.
