# 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.

- Website: https://www.apple.com/app-store/
- Jurisdiction: United States. Five Eyes member. Subject to the US CLOUD Act.
- Platforms: iOS, macOS
- Home page trackers: none found
- Category: [App stores](https://privacyratings.com/app-stores/)
- Also rated: [iCloud Mail](https://privacyratings.com/email-providers/icloud-mail/) (Email providers), [Hide My Email](https://privacyratings.com/email-forwarding/hide-my-email/) (Email forwarding and aliases), [Apple Mail](https://privacyratings.com/email-clients/apple-mail/) (Email clients), [Safari](https://privacyratings.com/browsers/safari/) (Browsers), [Apple Passwords](https://privacyratings.com/password-managers/apple-passwords/) (Password managers), [FileVault](https://privacyratings.com/file-encryption/filevault/) (File encryption), [iMessage](https://privacyratings.com/messengers/imessage/) (Messengers), [FaceTime](https://privacyratings.com/video-calls/facetime/) (Video calls), [iOS](https://privacyratings.com/mobile-operating-systems/ios/) (Mobile operating systems), [macOS](https://privacyratings.com/desktop-operating-systems/macos/) (Desktop operating systems), [Spotlight](https://privacyratings.com/launchers/spotlight/) (App launchers), [Apple Notes](https://privacyratings.com/notes/apple-notes/) (Notes), [Apple Journal](https://privacyratings.com/journaling/apple-journal/) (Journaling apps), [Apple iWork](https://privacyratings.com/office-suites/apple-iwork/) (Office suites), [QuickTime Player](https://privacyratings.com/screen-recording/quicktime-player/) (Screenshots and screen recording), [Apple Books](https://privacyratings.com/ebook-readers/apple-books/) (Ebook readers), [Apple Dictation](https://privacyratings.com/speech-to-text/apple-dictation/) (Dictation and transcription), [iCloud Drive](https://privacyratings.com/cloud-storage/icloud-drive/) (Encrypted cloud storage), [Apple Maps](https://privacyratings.com/maps/apple-maps/) (Maps and navigation), [SwiftUI](https://privacyratings.com/app-frameworks/swiftui/) (Cross-platform app frameworks), [Apple Home](https://privacyratings.com/smart-home/apple-home/) (Smart home), [Apple Watch](https://privacyratings.com/wearables/apple-watch/) (Wearables and health), [Apple Health Cycle Tracking](https://privacyratings.com/period-trackers/apple-health-cycle-tracking/) (Period trackers), [Apple Music](https://privacyratings.com/music-streaming/apple-music/) (Music streaming), [iCloud Photos](https://privacyratings.com/photo-management/icloud-photos/) (Photo management)
- Grade: F (15/100)

## Criteria

| Criterion | Answer | Note | Evidence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Open source | No | Closed source. |  |
| No trackers or telemetry | Partial | 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. | https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/data/en/app-store/ |
| No ads or data sales | No | The App Store shows ads from Apple's ad platform, which can use Apple Account, download and purchase data for targeting. | https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/data/en/apple-advertising/ |
| Independent audit | No | No independent audit is published. |  |
| No account needed | No | Downloads, including free apps, require signing in with an Apple Account and are logged with it. | https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/data/en/app-store/ |
| Shows trackers and anti-features | Partial | Listings show privacy labels, but their contents are self-reported by developers. | https://developer.apple.com/app-store/app-privacy-details/ |

Source: https://privacyratings.com/app-stores/apple-app-store/
Edit: https://github.com/privacyratings/privacyratings.com/edit/main/ratings/app-stores/apple-app-store.md