Apple Updates App Review Guidelines to Require Disclosure of Data Sharing with Third-Party AI
Apple made a significant change to its App Review Guidelines for developers by mandating that apps must now disclose and obtain users’ permission before sharing personal data with third-party AI systems. This update precedes Apple’s plan to unveil a new and enhanced Siri, powered by Google’s Gemini technology, in 2026.
The forthcoming Siri update will enable users to perform actions across various apps using voice commands. Apple’s decision to introduce this change is aimed at ensuring that personal data is not being leaked to AI providers or other AI businesses by third-party apps.
What sets this update apart is Apple’s explicit call for AI companies to comply with the revised guidelines. Previously, rule 5.1.2(i) required apps to disclose and obtain consent for data sharing, emphasizing the user’s control over their personal data. The updated guideline now specifically mentions the need to disclose data sharing with third-party AI systems and obtain explicit permission.
This revision could impact apps utilizing AI technology to collect and process user information for personalization or specific functionalities. The enforcement of this rule remains ambiguous, considering the broad scope of AI technologies it encompasses, including machine learning and other AI systems.
Aside from the data sharing disclosure requirement, Apple also introduced several other revisions to the App Review Guidelines. These changes include support for the new Mini Apps Program, updates related to creator apps, loan apps, and the addition of crypto exchanges to the list of highly regulated service providers.
