Privacy Policy
1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy explains how the iOS app Sorrel, a language practice diary developed by Ilia Usatov ("we", "the developer"), handles your information. It describes what stays on your device, what is optional, and which third parties are involved. Sorrel does not require an account, sign-in, name, email, or password to use.
2. Your study content (local-first)
Your practice diary (languages, skills, sessions, durations, sources, notes, key learnings, goals, learner profile, and CEFR settings) is created and stored on your device.
- This content is not sent to the developer.
- It is not included in any analytics event.
- If you enable iCloud sync (see below), it is mirrored to your own private iCloud so it syncs across your devices.
3. iCloud sync (optional, off by default)
Sync is opt-in and off by default; Sorrel is fully usable without it. When you enable it, your study content is stored in your private iCloud (Apple's CloudKit private database) under your Apple ID. The developer has no access to your iCloud data; it is handled by Apple under Apple's terms. Turning sync off keeps the app working locally.
4. Analytics and crash reporting
Sorrel uses third-party SDKs from Google Firebase to improve the app:
- Firebase Analytics records how people move through the app (screens reached, taps, feature usage, frequency, where users get stuck).
- Firebase Crashlytics receives anonymous crash and diagnostic reports.
This data is tied to an anonymous, randomly generated Firebase app-instance identifier. It is not linked to your name, email, Apple ID, learner display name, or your diary content. It is used for product improvement and stability, not advertising: there is no IDFA, no ad personalization, and no cross-app tracking.
You can turn analytics and crash reporting off in the app under Settings → Privacy.
5. Purchases and subscriptions
Sorrel offers an optional subscription (Sorrel Pro and a Family plan). Purchases are processed by Apple's App Store and StoreKit; the developer never sees your payment method or full Apple ID.
RevenueCat manages subscription entitlements and validates purchases. It processes a randomly generated app user ID, purchase and transaction history (for example "Sorrel Pro Annual" and its expiry), app and OS version, and your storefront country. This is used to grant the features you paid for, not for advertising.
6. Exports and sharing
Teacher-ready PDF reports, backup and transfer files, and share images are generated on your device. They leave your device only when you choose to share or save them, for example through the iOS share sheet. The developer does not receive them.
7. Device permissions
Practice reminders, if you enable them, use local notifications only (no remote push). Sorrel does not request microphone, camera, location, contacts, calendar, HealthKit, Bluetooth, photo library, or motion access.
8. Technical data
In line with Apple's required-reason API rules, the app declares use of UserDefaults (for preferences such as onboarding state, theme, sync, reminders, and selected language) and file-timestamp access (for export, import, and local data storage). These are same-app uses and are not used for tracking.
9. Children's privacy
Sorrel is not directed at children and does not knowingly collect personal information from children. Because analytics are anonymous and study content stays local or in the user's own iCloud, no identifiable child data is collected by the developer.
10. Data retention and deletion
- Local data persists until you delete entries or remove the app.
- iCloud data is managed in your Apple ID and iCloud settings.
- To stop analytics and crash collection, use the in-app Privacy toggle.
- Subscriptions are managed or canceled via Apple ID → Subscriptions.
11. Your rights (GDPR and CCPA)
You may request access, correction, or deletion, and you may opt out of analytics. We hold no account database, analytics are anonymous, and we do not sell or share personal data for advertising. Data controller: Ilia Usatov. Processors: Apple, RevenueCat, and Google (Firebase). For any request, contact [email protected].
12. Third parties at a glance
- Apple: App Store and StoreKit (payments) and CloudKit (optional iCloud sync), under Apple's privacy policy.
- RevenueCat: subscription and entitlement management, under RevenueCat's privacy policy.
- Google Firebase: anonymous analytics and crash reporting, under Google's privacy policy.
There is no advertising SDK, ad network, IDFA, App Tracking Transparency tracking, social-media SDK, or email marketing SDK in the app.
13. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy and will revise the "Last updated" date above. Material changes will be reflected before the relevant app version ships.
14. Contact
Questions about this Privacy Policy: [email protected]