Character.AI's April 2026 update brought a new model, memory improvements and Lorebook features for persistent storytelling and worldbuilding.
On the same release it tightened the screws: broader age restrictions, new usage limits, and ads for free users. The teen restrictions follow its November 2025 removal of open-ended chat for under-18s in the US and the January 2026 settlement of the teen-harm lawsuits, which mandated new under-18 safeguards.
Our Character.AI review tracks what actually changed for everyday users.