Privacy-First iOS App Design: Principles Behind Every Altivra App

Privacy-first design means making choices before you write code — not bolting a policy page onto an app that already collects everything. At Altivra, privacy shapes how we build SignDesk, FitMind, NeuroSleep, and PlantMind.

What privacy-first actually means

It is not the same as "we have a privacy policy." It means:

Collect less — only data the feature genuinely needs
Store locally when cloud sync adds no user value
Ask permission in context — explain why HealthKit or camera access matters
Never sell personal data — our business model is subscriptions, not ad networks
Make deletion easy — users should control their information

These principles appear in our Legal Center and each app's dedicated privacy page.

Permission design on iOS

Apple's permission prompts are moments of trust. We treat them accordingly:

Camera (SignDesk, PlantMind)

Requested only when you tap Scan or Identify — never on launch. SignDesk uses the camera for document scanning; PlantMind for plant photos. Images process on-device for core features.

HealthKit (FitMind, NeuroSleep)

Health data is among the most sensitive categories on iPhone. We request read/write access for specific types (steps, sleep, workouts) and explain the benefit in onboarding — recovery scores, workout personalisation — not vague "improve your experience" copy.

Files and iCloud (SignDesk)

SignDesk stores documents locally by default. Pro adds optional iCloud Drive backup — explicitly chosen, not silent sync of every PDF.

On-device by default

Read on-device AI on iPhone for the technical rationale. The privacy summary:

Your PDF library in SignDesk lives on your phone
Sleep analysis in NeuroSleep prioritises local processing
Plant scans in PlantMind are not uploaded for ad targeting

Optional cloud features require clear user action.

Transparent policies users can actually read

Legal documents should be readable, not buried. Each Altivra app publishes:

Privacy policy — what we collect, why, retention, third parties
Terms of service — subscriptions, Apple EULA references, limitations
Support contact — real humans respond within 24–48 business hours

Find all URLs in the Legal Center App Store section for App Store Connect submission.

GDPR and UK users

As a UK-based studio, we design for GDPR principles even when not strictly required:

Lawful basis for processing (contract, consent, legitimate interest)
Data minimisation
Right to deletion — documented in our data deletion process
No unnecessary international transfers for core features

See GDPR information for studio-wide details.

Subscriptions without dark patterns

Privacy-first extends to monetisation. We do not:

Hide subscription terms behind confusing toggles
Trick users into annual plans without clear pricing
Make cancellation harder than Apple already allows

Apple's Guideline 3.1.2 disclosures appear on every pricing page. NeuroSleep explicitly documents no free trial — honesty beats surprise charges.

AI features and privacy

AI introduces new questions: what text or images leave the device, who processes them, how long they are retained.

SignDesk's optional contract AI uses your OpenAI API key when enabled — you control the pipeline. We document that AI output may be inaccurate and is not legal advice in the AI disclaimer.

Checklist for privacy-conscious app users

When evaluating any iOS app — Altivra or otherwise:

Read the privacy policy before granting HealthKit or camera access
Check App Store privacy labels on the listing
Prefer apps with on-device storage for sensitive documents and health data
Verify support and legal URLs load and match the developer name
Review subscription terms before starting a trial

Our commitment

Privacy-first is not marketing language for Altivra — it is how we compete as an indie studio against apps funded by data monetisation. We would rather build trust and earn subscriptions than extract value from user data.

Explore all apps at altivra.co.uk/apps or read per-app policies linked from each product page.

Altivra — AI-powered iOS apps built in the UK. Contact · Support