Apple Pulls Controversial Dating Safety Apps from the App Store

Cupertino, California — Apple has removed the controversial dating safety apps, Tea and TeaOnHer, from its App Store due to violations of content moderation and user privacy guidelines. The apps were pulled on October 21, 2025, after Apple received numerous complaints and negative reviews related to potential misuse of minors’ personal information.

According to reports from TechCrunch, both apps were removed from all markets but remain available on Google Play. Apple confirmed the apps did not meet its requirements, specifically disallowing the sharing of personal data without user consent and failing to provide effective reporting and blocking features for its users.

The removal comes in response to complaints regarding the apps’ ability to expose sensitive information about users. Apple stated it had communicated its concerns to the app developers, but no corrective actions were taken. The company emphasized that the apps violated its App Review Guidelines, including sections on user-generated content and respect for user privacy.

Tea, launched in 2023, gained notoriety as a platform for women to share their experiences with men on dating apps. However, it faced backlash for allegedly enabling defamatory opinions and concerns over personal data security, particularly after a significant data breach exposed personal images and identification documents.

TeaOnHer, a rival app that allowed men to comment on their dating experiences, faced similar issues and did not address security vulnerabilities. Despite their removal from the App Store, both apps had garnered millions of downloads, with Tea reaching 6.1 million downloads and generating $5 million in revenue.

The ongoing issues surrounding these apps highlight the need for effective regulations and safety measures within the rapidly evolving world of dating applications.