Apple Removes Tea and TeaOnHer Dating Apps Over Past Breach
Apple has confirmed the removal of two controversial dating-related apps, Tea and TeaOnHer, from the App Store following mounting concerns over user privacy and content moderation failures. The move, first reported by app analytics firm Appfigures and later confirmed by Apple, comes after months of scrutiny surrounding the platforms’ handling of sensitive personal data and user-generated content.
According to Apple, both Tea Dating Advice and TeaOnHer violated multiple sections of its App Review Guidelines, including rules concerning moderation of objectionable content and misuse of personal information. Specifically, Apple cited breaches of sections 1.2, 5.1.2, and 5.6, which cover requirements for reporting tools, consent for data use, and maintaining developer standards amid excessive complaints.
The company said it acted after receiving an “excessive number” of user complaints, including reports that minors’ personal information had been posted on the apps. Despite being notified of the issues, developers allegedly failed to address them, prompting the apps’ full removal from the App Store across all regions. Tea suffered two breaches over the course of July, while TeaOnHer was breached the weak it launched in August.
Originally launched in 2023, Tea gained viral traction in early 2025 by positioning itself as a “dating safety” platform where women could share experiences and warnings about men – a concept inspired by Facebook’s “Are We Dating the Same Guy?” groups. Users could post photos, reviews, and red or green flag ratings about men they had dated. Critics, however, raised serious concerns about defamation, harassment, and data misuse, especially as private details were often shared without consent.
The backlash intensified after Tea suffered a major data breach in mid-2025, compromising more than 72,000 images, including photo IDs and selfies used for account verification. Not long after, TeaOnHer launched as a male-oriented counterpart, allowing men to rate and discuss women – but it too faced a data exposure incident that revealed sensitive personal information. In both cases, the apps were criticised by some for being echo chambers built on discussing others behind their backs.
Despite their removal from Apple’s platform, both apps remain available on Google Play, though it’s unclear whether Google will take similar action. Data from Appfigures shows Tea reached 6.1 million downloads and generated $5 million in gross revenue, while TeaOnHer had 2.2 million downloads before its delisting. Already, replacement apps by third parties like TeaOnHer and Him – Overheard are attempting to climb into the gaps that have been left by their removal.
