Apple Strengthens App Review Policies to Regulate Data Sharing with Third-Party AI

Apple has rolled out an updated set of App Review Guidelines that place new restrictions on how developers handle user information—specifically when sharing data with third-party AI systems. The revised rules, published on Thursday, require that apps both disclose and gain user consent before transferring personal information to external AI providers.

The update comes as Apple prepares for a significant Siri upgrade in 2026, marking a new era for the company’s AI ambitions.

A Step Toward Apple’s AI-Focused Future

Apple is expected to launch an enhanced, AI-driven version of Siri in 2026, designed to perform actions across apps through natural voice commands. According to a recent Bloomberg report, the revamped assistant will be partially powered by Google’s Gemini technology, reflecting Apple’s growing collaboration with established AI platforms.

While Apple advances its own AI features, the company is tightening oversight to ensure other developers aren’t quietly passing personal information to AI vendors or analytics companies without user consent.

Why the New Language Matters

The notable shift in Apple’s guidelines isn’t the concept of transparency itself, but the decision to explicitly call out “third-party AI” as a category requiring compliance.

Previously, guideline 5.1.2(i) already mandated user consent for any sharing of personal data. The rule prohibited apps from attempting to “use, transmit or share” a user’s data without permission, positioning Apple in alignment with global privacy regulations such as:

• EU’s GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

• Other regional data protection laws

Apps failing to comply risk removal from the App Store.

The revised version introduces a new sentence:

“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 addition could influence apps leveraging AI for personalisation, content generation, analytics, or operational functionality. However, enforcement remains uncertain given the broad scope of AI—ranging from large language models to traditional machine learning.

Additional Guideline Updates

Apple’s amendments weren’t limited to AI-related rules. Several other categories also saw new clarifications and adjustments, including:

Mini Apps Program

Apple introduced support for its new Mini Apps Program, offering developers lightweight app experiences with tailored guidelines.

Creator and Loan Apps

Rules governing creator-focused apps, financial tools, and loan services received refinements to improve transparency and protect users.

Crypto Exchange Classification

Another notable update formally places crypto exchanges within the list of services operating in heavily regulated industries—reinforcing Apple’s oversight in financial technologies.

Author: Din Kumar