Privacy Policy

2.1 Scope and Summary

This Privacy Policy explains how ToneEQ handles information when you use the App. ToneEQ is designed primarily for on-device processing. The current release does not include advertising SDKs, third-party analytics SDKs, cross-app tracking, or a Provider-operated user-account or application server.

In summary:

• compatible local audio is decoded and equalized on your device;
• raw local audio is not uploaded to the Provider or to ToneEQ’s CloudKit profile-sync zone;
• Apple Music content is requested and played through Apple’s MusicKit and system player, and protected audio is not received or processed by ToneEQ’s equalizer;
• App settings, local-library metadata, listening sessions, and profiles are stored locally;
• eligible Pro profile and listening-preference data may be synchronized through the private CloudKit database associated with your Apple Account;
• purchases and payment credentials are processed by Apple; and
• ToneEQ does not sell personal information or use it for targeted advertising.

The data controller or responsible provider for ToneEQ is the independent developer of ToneEQ, reachable at edwardsimon335@gmail.com.

2.2 Information Handled by ToneEQ

A. App settings and operational state

ToneEQ stores settings such as your language, appearance preferences, onboarding completion, motion preference, selected tab or profile state, and CloudKit synchronization tokens. These values are stored on your device using Apple system storage such as UserDefaults and SwiftData. They are used to remember choices and operate the App.

B. Local audio and library metadata

When you select an audio file through Apple’s file picker, ToneEQ may read the file name, title, artist, album, duration, and audio format. ToneEQ stores a security-scoped bookmark so the App can reopen the file later, along with limited playback metadata such as when it was added or last played.

The audio file remains at the location you selected and is processed on the device. ToneEQ does not upload the raw file or audio signal to the Provider, CloudKit profile synchronization, or an analytics service.

C. Output-device and sound-profile information

ToneEQ may observe the active system audio route and store information needed to associate a profile with that route, including a route identifier, route name, user-defined profile name, optional headphone model, selected AutoEQ preset identifier, graphic and parametric EQ settings, layer names, automation and selection flags, and update timestamps.

This information is stored locally. If you have ToneEQ Pro and iCloud is available, eligible sound-profile records may also be sent to the ToneEQ container in your private CloudKit database to synchronize across your devices.

D. Listening Match information

Listening Match stores A/B choices, test progress, generated preference vectors, confidence values, algorithm and calibration versions, associated output-route identifiers, and timestamps. Listening sessions are stored locally. Derived preference layers associated with synchronized profiles may also be stored in your private CloudKit database when Pro synchronization is used.

Listening Match does not record through the microphone, diagnose hearing, or upload a recording of what you hear.

E. Apple Music information

If you grant Apple Music permission, ToneEQ uses MusicKit to request a limited view of your Apple Music library, including playlists, and to search Apple’s music catalog. Song, playlist, artist, album, artwork, and playback metadata may be held in memory while the App is running so it can display and control playback.

Catalog searches and Apple Music playback requests are sent to Apple, not to a Provider-operated server. ToneEQ does not receive, save, decrypt, or equalize protected Apple Music audio. You can deny or revoke Apple Music access in iOS Settings; local-file and basic EQ features remain available without that permission.

F. Purchase and subscription information

ToneEQ uses StoreKit to obtain product information and verified subscription status, such as the selected product identifier, entitlement state, renewal or billing status, and expiration date. Apple processes your Apple Account, payment method, billing details, purchase authorization, receipts, taxes, and refunds. ToneEQ does not receive your full payment-card details.

The Provider may receive sales, subscription, proceeds, and aggregated analytics reports from Apple through App Store Connect, subject to Apple’s privacy choices and policies. These reports are separate from the App’s on-device data and do not give the Provider access to your local audio or private CloudKit records.

G. Profile import and export

When you import a ToneEQ JSON profile, the App reads the document you select and stores valid profile fields locally. When you export, ToneEQ creates a JSON document containing the selected profile configuration and associated preference-layer data. The App accesses these documents only at your direction through Apple’s file importer or exporter.

H. Communications with us

ToneEQ does not currently include an in-app support account or messaging system. If you voluntarily contact us by email or another support channel, we will receive the information you provide, such as your email address, message, attachments, and diagnostic details you choose to send.

2.3 Information ToneEQ Does Not Currently Collect

The current App does not request or collect precise location, contacts, photos, microphone recordings, camera data, advertising identifiers, or biometric data. It does not include third-party advertising or behavioral analytics and does not track you across apps or websites owned by other companies.

Information processed only on your device is not transmitted to the Provider. Apple may independently process information when providing iOS, App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, CloudKit, and other Apple services under Apple’s privacy policy.

2.4 How Information Is Used

ToneEQ handles information only as reasonably necessary to:

• provide local playback and equalization;
• create, save, select, import, export, and apply sound profiles;
• associate profiles with audio output routes;
• perform Listening Match and preserve its results;
• display authorized Apple Music library and catalog content and control Apple’s player;
• verify purchases, restore entitlements, and provide Pro features;
• synchronize eligible Pro profile information across your devices through private CloudKit;
• remember your preferences and maintain App reliability and security;
• respond to support requests you initiate; and
• comply with legal obligations and enforce these Terms.

Where privacy law requires a legal basis, these activities are performed as necessary to provide the Service you request, with your consent for permission-protected features, to comply with law, or for legitimate interests such as security and support where those interests are not overridden by your rights.

2.5 Storage and Disclosure

The Provider does not operate a general ToneEQ backend and does not sell, rent, or disclose your App data to data brokers, advertisers, or third-party analytics providers.

Information may be handled by:

• Apple, when it provides the App Store, StoreKit, Apple Music/MusicKit, iCloud/CloudKit, system file picker, and operating-system services;
• services you choose, when you export or share a profile document to a third-party destination; and
• authorities or other parties where legally required, or where reasonably necessary to protect users, enforce legal rights, investigate fraud or security incidents, or complete a lawful business reorganization.

ToneEQ uses the user’s private CloudKit database, not a public or shared database, for profile synchronization. By default, private CloudKit records are accessible to the owner through their Apple Account and are not visible to the Provider through the CloudKit developer portal. CloudKit data is stored and protected by Apple and counts against the user’s iCloud storage quota.

2.6 Retention and Deletion

• Local App data: remains on your device until you delete it within ToneEQ, remove the relevant profile or track entry, reset the applicable setting, or uninstall the App. Uninstalling normally removes the App’s local data but does not automatically cancel a subscription or delete private iCloud data.
• Local audio: remains under your control in Files or the original document-provider location. Removing an item from ToneEQ does not necessarily delete the source audio file.
• Private CloudKit data: remains in your private iCloud database until the associated record is deleted and that deletion successfully synchronizes, you remove ToneEQ’s stored iCloud data using Apple’s available account-storage controls, or Apple deletes it under its policies. Deleting a synchronized profile in ToneEQ is intended to propagate that deletion on the next successful synchronization.
• Apple Music and purchase data: is retained by Apple according to Apple’s policies and legal obligations.
• Support communications: may be retained only as long as reasonably necessary to respond, keep appropriate business records, resolve disputes, and comply with law.

Because the Provider does not operate a ToneEQ account database and cannot ordinarily view or identify records in your private CloudKit database, the most direct way to control App data is through ToneEQ, iOS Settings, iCloud storage controls, your Apple Account, or deletion of the App.

2.7 Your Choices and Rights

You may:

• decline or revoke Apple Music permission in iOS Settings;
• use local playback and free EQ features without Apple Music access;
• delete individual device profiles in ToneEQ;
• remove local-library entries and manage the source audio files in Files;
• disable ToneEQ’s iCloud access using Apple’s available iCloud controls if you do not want eligible Pro profile data to synchronize;
• delete ToneEQ local data by uninstalling the App;
• manage or remove ToneEQ data from iCloud using Apple’s available iCloud storage controls;
• cancel or manage subscriptions through your Apple Account subscription settings; and
• contact us to ask a privacy question or exercise rights available under applicable law.

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, restrict, object to, or obtain a copy of personal information, and to withdraw consent. We will not discriminate against you for exercising a privacy right. We may need sufficient information to verify and respond to a request, but we cannot retrieve private CloudKit content that Apple does not make visible to the Provider.

You can exercise rights relating to data controlled directly by Apple through Apple’s privacy and account tools.

2.8 Security

ToneEQ uses Apple platform protections, app sandboxing, security-scoped file access, verified StoreKit transactions, and private CloudKit storage. We take reasonable measures appropriate to the nature of the App, but no device, storage system, or transmission method is completely secure. Keep your device, Apple Account, passcode, and exported profile files secure.

2.9 International Processing

Apple services may process information in countries or regions other than where you live, in accordance with Apple’s terms, privacy policy, and applicable transfer safeguards. If you contact the Provider, your communication may be processed where the Provider or its service providers operate, subject to applicable law.

2.10 Children

ToneEQ is a general-audience audio utility and is not directed specifically to children under 13 or the minimum age established by local law. The Provider does not knowingly operate a service that asks children to create a Provider account or submit personal information. Parents and guardians should supervise volume levels, purchases, Apple Music access, and iCloud use. If you believe a child has sent personal information directly to the Provider, contact us so we can take appropriate action.

2.11 Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in ToneEQ, Apple services, or applicable law. We will update the “Last updated” date and provide additional notice where required. Materially different data practices will not be applied retroactively without a valid legal basis or required consent.

2.12 Privacy Contact

Privacy questions and requests may be sent to:

Independent developer of ToneEQ edwardsimon335@gmail.com