Apple’s new app review guidelines restrict apps that share personal data with ‘third-party AI’

Apple on Thursday introduced a new set of Application review guidelines For developers, which now specifically states that apps must disclose and obtain users’ permission before sharing personal data with third-party AI.

This change comes before the iPhone maker’s plan to introduce its own products An upgraded version of AI Siri in 2026

This update will see Apple’s digital assistant provide users with the ability to Take action across apps Using Siri commands, and it will run partially, Powered by Gemini technology from Googleaccording to another Bloomberg a report.

Meanwhile, Apple is working to ensure that other apps do not leak personal data to other AI providers or AI companies.

What’s interesting about this particular update isn’t the requirements described, but Apple specifically called on AI companies to adhere to them.

Prior to the revised language, the guideline known as Rule 5.1.2(i) included language about disclosing and obtaining user consent to share data, noting that apps cannot “use, transfer, or share” someone’s personal data without their permission. This rule was part of Apple’s compliance with data privacy regulations such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act, and others, which ensure that users have more control over how their data is collected and shared. Apps that do not follow the policy can be removed from the App Store.

The newly revised guideline adds the following sentence (emphasis ours):

You must clearly disclose where personal data is shared with third parties, Including third-party artificial intelligence, Get express permission before doing so.

This change may affect applications that intend to use AI systems to collect or process information about their users, perhaps to customize their applications or provide certain functionality. It’s unclear how strictly Apple will enforce this rule, since the term “artificial intelligence” can include a variety of technologies — not just those with master’s degrees in law, but also things like machine learning.

The updated rule is one of several revisions to the rule Application review guidelines Out on Thursday. last Changes Focused on support Apple’s new widget programalso announced today, as well as modifications to the rules that include creator applications, loan applications, and more.

One of the additions also added cryptocurrency exchanges to the list of apps offering services in highly regulated areas.