Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 2026

The Short Version

Detailed Privacy Information

1. Data Storage

All your habit data is stored locally on your device using Core Data, Apple's framework for data management. We do not operate any servers, databases, or cloud infrastructure. Your data never leaves your device unless you explicitly enable iCloud sync.

2. iCloud Sync (Optional)

If you choose to enable iCloud sync:

• Your data is synced across your devices using CloudKit, Apple's iCloud service
• This sync happens directly between your devices and Apple's iCloud servers
• We have no access to this data - it's encrypted and tied to your Apple ID
• You can disable iCloud sync at any time in the app settings
• Apple's privacy policy governs iCloud data: apple.com/privacy

3. Notifications

If you enable notifications:

• All notifications are scheduled locally on your device
• No notification data is sent to external servers
• You control all notification settings through iOS Settings

4. Widgets

If you use our widgets:

• Widget data is shared between the main app and widget using App Groups (local to your device)
• No widget data is transmitted externally
• Widgets update based on your local data only

5. Premium Features

If you purchase premium:

• Purchases are handled entirely through Apple's App Store
• We don't store any payment information
• Purchase status is stored locally on your device and in your iCloud Keychain
• Apple's privacy policy applies to all App Store transactions

6. Apple Health Integration (Optional)

Stepwise can optionally connect to Apple Health to automatically track habit completion based on your health data. This feature is entirely opt-in and requires your explicit permission.

• What we read: Steps, sleep duration, exercise minutes, active energy burned, mindfulness minutes, and water intake
• Purpose: To automatically complete habits when you reach your daily goal — for example, marking your "10,000 steps" habit as done when Apple Health records that you've hit the target
• What we never do: We never write to Apple Health, never modify your health records, and never transmit any health data to any server
• Where data stays: Health data is read locally on your device and never leaves it. It is not included in our iCloud sync
• Your control: You can revoke Health access at any time via iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Health → Stepwise

Apple Health data is governed by Apple's privacy policy. We only access the specific data types you permit, and only for the purpose of habit completion tracking.

7. Apple Watch

If you have an Apple Watch, Stepwise can display your habits and allow completions directly from your wrist.

• Habit data is synced between your iPhone and Apple Watch using WatchConnectivity, Apple's framework for watch-phone communication
• This sync happens locally over Bluetooth/Wi-Fi between your devices — no internet or external servers are involved
• Watch face complications show your daily habit progress using data stored locally on the watch
• No additional data is collected or transmitted as a result of using the Apple Watch app

8. Data You Can Export

You own your data and can export it at any time:

• Export your habits and completion history from the app settings
• Data is exported in standard formats (CSV/JSON) for your use
• Exported data stays on your device unless you choose to share it

9. Data Deletion

You have complete control over your data:

• Delete individual habits or completion records at any time
• Clear all data from Settings → Reset Data
• Uninstalling the app removes all local data
• If using iCloud, you can manage that data in iOS Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Manage Storage

10. Children's Privacy

Stepwise is suitable for users of all ages. Since we don't collect any data, children's privacy is inherently protected. Parents can feel confident that their children's habit tracking remains completely private.

11. Third-Party Services

Stepwise uses NO third-party services, analytics, or tracking frameworks. We exclusively use Apple's native frameworks:

• SwiftUI and UIKit for the user interface
• Core Data for local data storage
• CloudKit for optional iCloud sync
• StoreKit for premium purchases
• UserNotifications for local notifications
• WidgetKit for home screen widgets and Apple Watch complications
• HealthKit for optional health data reading (never writing)
• WatchConnectivity for Apple Watch sync

12. Changes to This Policy

If we ever update this privacy policy, we will:

• Update the "Last updated" date at the top
• Notify users through an app update description
• Never compromise on our privacy-first approach

13. Your Rights

Since all data is stored locally on your device, you have complete rights over it:

• Access: View all your data directly in the app
• Modification: Edit or delete any data at any time
• Portability: Export your data in standard formats
• Deletion: Remove all data instantly

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how Stepwise handles data, please contact us:

• Email: support@paragbafna.dev
• Website: paragbafna.dev