Short version: Transcribe is designed with privacy as a priority. Your audio and transcriptions are processed and stored on your device. We do not sell your data. AI features optionally send transcription text to a third-party AI service, but only with your explicit consent.
1. Who We Are
Transcribe ("the App") is developed and operated by AppStudio ("we," "us," or "our"). The App is available on the Apple App Store for iPhone.
For privacy-related inquiries, contact us at: andychung.cc@gmail.com
2. What Data We Collect
We collect as little data as possible. Here is a clear breakdown:
Data stored only on your device (never sent to us):
- Transcriptions: All transcription records (text, timestamps, metadata) are saved locally in your iPhone's app storage. We do not have access to these files.
- Audio recordings: Audio recorded within the app remains on your device and is not uploaded to our servers.
- App preferences & settings: Language selection, display preferences, and usage counters are stored in your device's local storage (UserDefaults).
- AI API keys: If you configure a personal AI API key, it is stored exclusively in your device's Keychain and is never transmitted to us.
Transcribe uses Apple's on-device Speech Recognition framework. This means speech-to-text processing uses Apple's technology. Please refer to Apple's Privacy Policy for details on how they handle speech data.
3. AI Features & Third-Party Data Sharing
Transcribe includes optional AI-powered tools (Smart Summary, Key Points, Translation, AI Chat). These features send transcription text to a third-party AI service in order to generate results.
- Consent required: Before using AI features for the first time, the App presents a clear consent prompt explaining that your transcription text will be sent to a third-party AI provider. You must explicitly agree before AI features are activated.
- Third-party AI provider: AI requests are routed through OpenRouter (openrouter.ai), which may use various underlying AI models. OpenRouter's privacy policy governs how they handle data sent to their service.
- What is sent: Only the transcription text required to fulfill the specific AI request is transmitted. Audio files are never sent.
- Opting out: You can revoke consent at any time in Settings → AI Privacy within the app. Revoking consent disables all AI features and no further data will be transmitted.
4. Advertising
The free version of Transcribe may display advertisements provided by Google AdMob. AdMob may collect device identifiers and usage data to serve relevant advertisements in accordance with Google's Privacy Policy.
- You can limit ad tracking by adjusting your device settings in Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking on your iPhone.
- Pro (paid) subscribers do not see advertisements.
5. In-App Purchases & Subscriptions
Transcribe offers optional paid subscriptions (Monthly, Yearly) and a one-time Lifetime purchase. All payments are processed exclusively through Apple's App Store using StoreKit. We do not receive or store your payment information. Please review Apple's Privacy Policy for details on payment data handling.
6. Data We Do Not Collect
- We do not require account creation or login.
- We do not collect your name, email address, or other personal identifiers.
- We do not store your audio recordings or transcriptions on our servers.
- We do not sell, rent, or trade your data to third parties.
- We do not use analytics SDKs that track your behavior across other apps.
7. Microphone and File Access
Transcribe requests access to the following device capabilities:
- Microphone: Required for live transcription and audio recording. The app only accesses the microphone while you are actively using the live transcription or recording features.
- Speech Recognition: Required for converting speech to text via Apple's Speech framework. You will be prompted to authorize this separately on first use.
- Files & Photo Library: Required to import audio and video files for transcription. The app only accesses files you explicitly choose to import.
You can revoke any of these permissions at any time in Settings → Transcribe on your iPhone. Revoking permissions will disable the corresponding features.
8. Data Retention & Deletion
All transcription data is stored locally on your device and persists until you delete it. You can:
- Delete individual transcriptions from within the app.
- Delete all app data by uninstalling the app from your iPhone.
Since we do not receive your transcription data on our servers, there is no server-side data to delete.
9. Children's Privacy
Transcribe is not directed at children under the age of 13 (or under 16 in the European Economic Area). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has used the App, please contact us and we will address your concern promptly.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please contact us:
AppStudio
Email: andychung.cc@gmail.com