Apple Updates App Store Age Ratings: Key Dates, Brazil Rules and Developer To-Do List

Apple has announced two new content descriptors for App Store Connect age ratings: Shared Location and Dating and Relationships. The new questions go live on November 16, 2026, and every app must complete the declarations by January 12, 2027.

What's Changing in App Store Connect

On November 2, 2026, Apple announced that App Store Connect will add new content descriptors to the age rating questionnaire. The goal is to make sure age ratings accurately reflect an app's features and comply with local regulations.

When completing the questionnaire, developers will need to declare whether their app includes:

• Shared Location: sharing of real-world location with another person or group.
• Dating and Relationships: features that enable dating or relationship connections between real people, and/or a virtual companion that engages a user in sexual or romantic content.

Key Dates

• November 16, 2026: the new content descriptors appear in App Store Connect.
• January 12, 2027: deadline for all apps to have these declarations completed.

You must provide the declarations when you submit an app update or make changes to your age rating questionnaire. Apps that don't ship an update before the deadline will still need to complete them.

How the New Descriptors Affect Age Ratings

• Dating and Relationships: apps that include this feature receive a minimum age rating of 18+.
• Shared Location: in some regions, this may not affect an app's minimum age rating.

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Special Rules in Brazil

Local regulations in Brazil are stricter:

• Shared Location requires an A16 rating.
• Dating and Relationships requires an A18 rating.

If you believe your app qualifies for a lower rating in Brazil, for example because its location sharing is specifically designed for parents and children, you can request an official rating directly from Brazil's Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP). Once verified, the official rating will display on the App Store in Brazil.

What App Developers and Marketers Should Do Now

1. Audit your features. Check whether your app lets users share real-world location with others, or connect with other people (or a virtual companion) in dating, romantic or sexual contexts.
2. Plan the declaration into your next release. Since it's required with any update or questionnaire change, add it to your next submission rather than waiting for the January 12 deadline.
3. Assess the audience impact. An 18+ minimum rating can narrow your eligible audience, so review how it affects your targeting, user acquisition and ad creatives.
4. Review your Brazil strategy. If you serve Brazilian users, check whether the stricter ratings apply and whether an official MJSP rating request makes sense.

Why It Matters for ASO

Age ratings are visible on your App Store product page and can influence who can find and download your app. Accurate declarations help you avoid review issues, and understanding the rating impact early lets you adjust your keyword, creative and market strategy before the deadline.