Apple’s New App Review Guidelines Clamp Down on Apps Sharing Personal Data with ‘Third-Party AI’

Apple on Thursday rolled out a new version of its App Review Guidelines for developers, introducing specific rules that require apps to disclose and obtain user consent before sharing personal data with third-party AI services.

The move comes as Apple prepares to launch its AI-upgraded version of Siri in 2026, which will allow users to perform actions across apps via Siri commands. According to a recent Bloomberg report, this enhanced version of Siri will also be partially powered by Google’s Gemini AI technology.

At the same time, Apple appears to be tightening its control to ensure that third-party apps do not leak users’ personal information to external AI providers or companies.

Apple Calls Out AI Data Sharing Explicitly

What makes this update noteworthy is Apple’s explicit mention of AI companies within its data-sharing rules — a first for the App Store Guidelines.

Previously, under guideline 5.1.2(i), Apple required apps to disclose and obtain user consent before sharing any personal data, prohibiting the use or transmission of such information without permission. This policy aligns with global data protection laws such as the EU’s GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and California’s Consumer Privacy Act, which safeguard users’ control over their personal data.

Now, Apple has strengthened that rule with a new clause. The updated guideline adds the following sentence (emphasis added):

“You must clearly disclose where personal data will be shared with third parties, including with third-party AI, and obtain explicit permission before doing so.”

This change could have far-reaching implications for apps that integrate AI systems to analyse or process user data — whether for personalisation, automation, or analytics.

Unclear Enforcement and Broad Definition of “AI”

While the new rule signals Apple’s growing scrutiny over AI-powered apps, it’s unclear how strictly Apple will enforce these requirements. The term “AI” is broad and applies to a wide range of technologies, including machine learning algorithms, large language models (LLMs), and other data-driven tools.

Developers will now have to assess whether their app’s AI functionalities fall within this category and, if so, ensure clear disclosure and consent mechanisms are in place.

Apps that fail to comply may face removal from the App Store, as Apple maintains strict privacy standards for all listed software.

Other Updates to the App Review Guidelines

Apple’s revised guidelines include several additional changes released alongside the AI disclosure rule. These updates support the launch of Apple’s new Mini Apps Program, announced on Thursday, and introduce tweaks for creator apps, loan apps, and other regulated industries.

Additionally, Apple has now included crypto exchanges on the list of apps providing services in highly regulated fields, signalling continued oversight of digital finance applications on the App Store.