Apple confirms it pulled controversial dating apps Tea & TeaOnHer from the App Store

Apple has officially removed the controversial dating safety applications, Tea and TeaOnHer, from its App Store, following significant user complaints and privacy violations. The decision, first noted by Appfigures, was confirmed by Apple, which stated that the apps did not meet its content moderation and user privacy standards. The apps were taken down on Tuesday across all markets, although they still remain available on Google Play. Apple reported an alarming number of negative reviews and user complaints, particularly concerning the posting of minors’ personal information. Despite Apple’s attempts to communicate these issues to the app developers, the concerns were reportedly not addressed. Citing violations of its App Review Guidelines, Apple pointed to issues such as the lack of reporting and blocking features for user-generated content, unauthorized use of personal information, and excessive customer complaints. The apps had gained notoriety earlier this year, with Tea initially launched in 2023 and becoming popular in 2025. It was designed as a dating safety tool for women, allowing users to share details about men, similar to Facebook groups aimed at preventing dating mishaps. However, the app faced backlash from many men who argued that the platform invaded their privacy and could lead to defamation claims. Adding to the controversy, Tea experienced a significant data breach over the summer, exposing 72,000 images, including personal selfies and verification photos. In response to Tea's success, a competing app, TeaOnHer, was created to allow men to share their experiences about women, but it too faced serious security issues that compromised user data. According to Appfigures, Tea achieved 6.1 million downloads and generated $5 million in revenue, while TeaOnHer accumulated 2.2 million downloads without offering in-app purchases. Although both apps are no longer on the App Store, similar applications are beginning to rise in popularity, including one named Tea on Her & Him – Overheard, which has seen a substantial increase in downloads.