Uh in Appulse (my tf au) biological sex isnt really a thing thanks to sparklings popping out of the planet. To elaborate, in appulse, sparks form under the planets surface until a proper body is formed (the minerals surrounding the spark can affect the transformers apperance). Because of this, the species has no need for traditional sex organs or gender standards. Instead, a spectrum of genders is used. Certain labels are used depending on where on the spectrum a transformer falls (notably masc and femme, although other labels exist.) The default is neutral.
A few other things to note: -Relationships: They still exist and partners may “plant” parts of their sparks together to form a sparkling. (this isnt common but is seen as devotion to one another and a respected practice.) What’s more common is finding a natural/preformed spark and fostering it until it’s properly formed.
-Passing of traits: As mentioned before, the spark sharing practice can pass traits to sparklings. However, many developing transformers (unconsciously) gain traits they see as desirable from mentor figures. These figures can be parents, teachers, important figures, and even their peers.
I might do a rant about their development later but I just have outlines rn. Just know the average is 3 stages, with primes and a select few gaining a fourth (theres stories of bots who had a fifth, but little substantial proof)