Apple App Store · Apple Privacy Policy · View original document ↗

Location Data Collection

Medium severity Uncommon · 22 of 343 platforms
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This analysis describes what Apple App Store's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

The provision establishes a tiered authorization framework for location data collection: precise location requires affirmative user consent for designated features, while other location collection methods (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cell tower, IP-based inference) operate under the general data collection authorization. This structure defines the scope of location-related data available to Apple's services.

Clause Stability Stable

0
Changes
3
Months Monitored
Apr 3, 2026
First Seen
Apr 27, 2026
Last Seen
This clause type exists across 967 other provisions on other platforms.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Users grant Apple permission to collect precise location data when they enable specific features, and the terms authorize Apple to derive location information through multiple technical methods including network infrastructure data and IP addresses. The provision does not restrict Apple's ability to collect or use location-derived data from these alternative sources.

How other platforms handle this

Microsoft Azure Medium

Location data. Data about your device's location, which can be either precise or imprecise. For example, we collect location data using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) (e.g., GPS) and data about nearby cell towers and Wi-Fi hotspots. Location can also be inferred from a device's IP address...

TikTok Medium

We also collect information about your approximate location based on your device and network information, such as SIM card region, IP address, and device system settings. We also collect information, such as tourist attractions, shops, or other points of interest, if you choose to add the location t...

Snapchat Medium

We collect information about your approximate and precise location. If you permit us to do so, we can collect your precise location from your device. We also use your IP address to determine your general location. You can use Snap Map to share your location with your friends and to see the locations...

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
Location information. Precise location only with your permission — for example, for features like Find My or Maps. Some location-related functionality uses Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cell tower locations, as well as GPS. Location can also be inferred from other data such as an IP address.

— Excerpt from Apple App Store's Apple Privacy Policy

Applicable regulations

CCPA/CPRA
California, USA
Connecticut Data Privacy Act Amendments
US-CT
CAN-SPAM
United States Federal
DMA
European Union
ePrivacy Directive
European Union
FTC Act Section 5
United States Federal
GDPR
European Union
Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act
US-IN
Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act
US-KY
Universal Opt-Out Mechanism Expansion 2026
US

Provision details

Document information
Document
Apple Privacy Policy
Entity
Apple App Store
Document last updated
May 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
April 27, 2026
Last verified
May 9, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-000211
Document ID
CA-D-00024
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
994b983f6900cdaa9bdc93e6bbe73247775f83fe14db2d46bfab3b416f57d9b0
Analysis generated
April 27, 2026 10:36 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Apple App Store
Document: Apple Privacy Policy
Record ID: CA-P-000211
Captured: 2026-04-27 10:36:19 UTC
SHA-256: 994b983f6900cdaa…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/apple-app-store/apple-privacy-policy/location-data-collection/
Accessed: July 4, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
Medium
Categories

Other risks in this policy

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Built from archived source documents, structured governance mappings, and historical version tracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Apple App Store's Location Data Collection clause do?

The provision establishes a tiered authorization framework for location data collection: precise location requires affirmative user consent for designated features, while other location collection methods (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cell tower, IP-based inference) operate under the general data collection authorization. This structure defines the scope of location-related data available to Apple's services.

How does this clause affect you?

Users grant Apple permission to collect precise location data when they enable specific features, and the terms authorize Apple to derive location information through multiple technical methods including network infrastructure data and IP addresses. The provision does not restrict Apple's ability to collect or use location-derived data from these alternative sources.

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 22 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Apple App Store?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Apple App Store.