App stores
Apple App Store privacy rating
Apple's app store for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Vision Pro. It is the main way to install apps on Apple devices and requires an Apple Account.
Summary
Apple App Store scores 15 out of 100 (grade F) on the app stores criteria. It partly meets no trackers or telemetry and shows trackers and anti-features. It does not meet open source, no ads or data sales, independent audit and no account needed. It is based in the United States: Five Eyes member; subject to the US CLOUD Act.
Score 15 out of 100. How scoring works
Criteria
- No
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Partial
No trackers or telemetry Weight 3 of 3
Are the website and apps free of third-party trackers, with any analytics anonymous and any telemetry off by default?
No third-party trackers are described, but Apple collects App Store usage, searches and downloads linked to the Apple Account by default, with personalization that can be turned off.
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No
No ads or data sales Weight 2 of 3
Is the product funded without advertising, ad targeting or selling user data?
The App Store shows ads from Apple's ad platform, which can use Apple Account, download and purchase data for targeting.
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No
Independent audit Weight 2 of 3
Has an independent security or privacy audit been published within the last three years?
No independent audit is published.
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No
No account needed Weight 2 of 3
Can apps be installed without an account?
Downloads, including free apps, require signing in with an Apple Account and are logged with it.
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Partial
Shows trackers and anti-features Weight 1 of 3
Does the store show which apps contain trackers, ads or other anti-features?
Listings show privacy labels, but their contents are self-reported by developers.