BuddyBall (the "App") is developed and operated by the BuddyBall team ("we", "us", or "our"). We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information, as well as the rights you enjoy.
Please read this Privacy Policy carefully before using the App. By using or continuing to use the App, you agree to the processing of your information as described in this policy.
1. Product Overview
BuddyBall is a cozy emotional companion app with the following features:
Character Balls: Choose a little ball of your own — it expresses emotions as you interact and grows closer to you over time
Focus Companion: Start focus sessions together with your ball, with countdown companionship and completion reminders
Sleep Companion: White noise for sleep (14 free-forever soundscapes including rain, waves, and campfire; Pro unlocks 27 more plus multi-track mixing), sleep records, and sleep scores
Widgets & Live Activities: Home screen widgets, lock screen live activities, StandBy clock, and an in-app clock screen
Business model: BuddyBall follows a freemium model — core companion features are free forever; certain advanced features (the white-noise mixer, ambient scene packs, additional character balls, etc.) are offered as an optional one-time Pro unlock, with no subscriptions and no advertising. Purchases can be restored on the same Apple account via Restore Purchases and support Family Sharing
2. Information We Collect
2.1 What We Do NOT Collect
BuddyBall is built on a local-data-first principle:
We do not collect personal identification information (name, email, phone number, contacts, etc.)
We do not upload any of your data to any server
We do not track your usage behavior, browsing habits, or device identifiers
We do not use any third-party analytics, crash reporting, or advertising SDKs
We do not require account registration — all features work without signing in
We do not access your location — the App contains no location features whatsoever
We do not capture microphone audio — white noise playback uses only system audio playback capabilities
Apart from the system-level communication required by Apple StoreKit to complete Pro in-app purchases, restore purchases, and Family Sharing verification, the App makes no network requests to any server of our own — all core companion features work fully offline. StoreKit traffic is handled directly between iOS and the App Store; transaction data never passes through any server of ours, and we do not obtain your Apple ID, payment method, or other account information through it
2.2 Information Stored Only on Your Device
The following information is generated and stored only on your device. We never access, collect, or transmit this data:
Data Type
Purpose
Storage Location
Character ball & affection
Currently selected ball and affection level per ball
App sandbox on device
Focus records
Focus session history and focus garden data
App sandbox on device
Sleep records
Sleep session history and sleep scores
App sandbox on device
Achievement badges
Unlocked achievements
App sandbox on device
App settings
Notification toggles, reminder times, shake interaction toggle, etc.
App sandbox on device
Widget shared data
Current ball and ongoing focus/sleep sessions (for widgets and live activities)
App Group container on device, shared only between the App and its own widgets
3. System Permissions & Device Capabilities
The App uses the following system capabilities, each used solely for its corresponding feature:
Capability
Purpose
Notes
Notifications
Bedtime reminders and focus completion reminders
Local notifications only, scheduled on-device and never routed through any server; can be disabled at any time
Background audio
Keep white noise playing while the screen is locked or the App is in the background
Used only when you actively start a sleep session
Accelerometer
The "shake for a surprise" interaction
Used only to detect shaking; raw sensor data is discarded immediately and never recorded; can be disabled in Settings
Important:
The App does not request or use sensitive permissions such as camera, microphone, location, or contacts
You can modify or disable the App's notification permission at any time in iOS Settings > Notifications
The App never connects to the internet; none of the capabilities above involve any data transmission
4. How Information Is Used
On-device data is used solely to:
Provide the core emotional companion, focus companion, and sleep companion features
Display your companion data within the App, in widgets, and in live activities
Send local reminders at the times you configured
We never use your information for any commercial purpose.
5. Information Sharing & Disclosure
We do not sell, rent, or share your information with any third party
The App integrates no third-party analytics, crash-reporting, or advertising SDKs
If you choose to purchase Pro, payment and transaction verification are handled directly by Apple StoreKit / App Store; such transaction information is governed by Apple's privacy policy and is not passed on to us
Since we hold no server-side data, we have no ability to disclose your data to any party; we may cooperate only where explicitly required by law and technically feasible
6. Data Storage & Security
Storage: All data is stored locally on your device (app sandbox and App Group container)
Network: Core companion features run fully offline; only the StoreKit ↔ App Store system traffic for Pro purchase / restore / Family Sharing verification is used, and none of it touches any server of our own
Deletion: You can delete history records within the App, or delete the App to permanently remove all data
Risk notice: Device loss, damage, or storage failure may result in data loss
7. Data Retention & Deletion
All records remain on your device until you delete them
You can delete focus/sleep history records within the App
Uninstalling the App permanently deletes all data in the App sandbox, and this cannot be undone
Since we hold no server-side data, you never need to submit a deletion request to us
8. Children's Privacy
The App is not directed at children under 13 (or the age specified by applicable law)
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children
All App data is stored locally on the user's device; we have no access to any user data
If you are a guardian and believe a child under your care has used the App without your consent, please contact us promptly
9. Health-Related Notice
BuddyBall is intended to provide a relaxing emotional companion experience along with focus and sleep assistance. It does not constitute medical advice, psychological diagnosis, or treatment of any kind. If you experience persistent emotional or sleep difficulties, please consult a professional medical provider.
10. Your Rights
Depending on applicable laws, you have the right to:
Access: All your data is stored locally and viewable in the App at any time
Delete: Delete data in the App, or uninstall the App for permanent removal
Withdraw consent: Disable notification permission in system settings, or turn off shake and other interactions in the App settings at any time
Erase: Since there is no account system, uninstalling the App removes all data
11. Changes to This Policy
We may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time. When material changes are made, we will post the updated version inside the App and on this page with a new revision date. Continued use of the App after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about this Privacy Policy, or need to exercise your data rights, please contact us: