Apple on Thursday presented a new set Application control instructions for developers, which now specifically states that apps must disclose and obtain users’ permission before sharing personal data with third-party AI.
The change comes ahead of the iPhone maker’s plan to introduce its own AI-enhanced version of Siri in 2026.
This update will see Apple’s digital assistant offer users the ability to take actions across apps using Siri commands and will be powered, in part, by Google’s Gemini technology, according to a recent Bloomberg report.
At the same time, Apple ensures that other apps do not leak personal data to AI providers or other AI businesses.
What’s interesting about this particular update isn’t the requirements outlined, but that Apple has specifically pointed out that AI companies must comply.
Before the revised language, the directive known as Rule 5.1.2(i) included language about disclosing and obtaining user consent to share data, noting that apps could not “use, transmit or share” someone’s personal data without their permission. This rule served as part of Apple’s compliance with data privacy regulations such as the EU GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), 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 may be removed from the App Store.
The newly revised guideline adds the following sentence (emphasis added):
You must clearly disclose where personal data will be shared with third parties, including third party artificial intelligence; and obtain express permission before doing so.
This change could affect apps that intend to use AI systems to collect or process information about their users, perhaps to personalize their apps or provide certain features. It’s unclear how strictly Apple will enforce the rule, given that the term “AI” could encompass a variety of technologies — not just LLMs, but also things like machine learning.
The updated rule is one of many revisions to it Application control instructions out on Thursday. Other changes they focus on supporting Apple’s new Mini Apps program, also announced today, as well as changing rules around creator apps, lending apps, and more.
A plugin also added crypto exchanges to the list of apps that provide services in highly regulated fields.
