Apple has officially updated its Apple App Review Guidelines, introducing a major new rule that directly targets how apps handle user data when interacting with third-party AI systems. The company now requires developers to clearly disclose when personal information will be shared with external AI providers — and get explicit permission before any data leaves the device.

The stricter Apple App Review Guidelines arrive just as Apple gears up for a major Siri transformation in 2026. According to recent reports, Siri will soon gain AI-powered capabilities, allowing it to take actions across apps using natural voice commands. Much of this new intelligence will reportedly be backed by Google’s Gemini technology. With Apple leaning deeper into generative AI itself, it’s also drawing a firm line on how other apps handle sensitive data.

Apple explicitly calls out “third-party AI” for the first time

Previously, guideline 5.1.2(i) already required apps to obtain user consent before collecting or sharing personal data. But the updated Apple App Review Guidelines now add a crucial sentence:

“You must clearly disclose where personal data will be shared with third parties, including with third-party AI, and obtain explicit permission before doing so.”

The emphasis on “third-party AI” is new — and significant. It signals that Apple is monitoring how developers use external AI tools, especially large language models and data-processing systems that could access sensitive personal information.

Apple’s concerns are likely rooted in the growing number of apps quietly sending user data to external AI APIs for processing, personalization, or analytics. The revised Apple App Review Guidelines indicate Apple wants developers to be transparent and ensure users know where their data is going.

Could this impact AI-powered apps?

Yes — especially those that rely on external AI platforms to analyze user content. Apps that process text, audio, or images through third-party AI models may now face stricter reviews. And since “AI” is a broad term, enforcement could extend to machine learning systems, not just LLMs.

While it’s unclear how aggressively Apple will enforce this policy, the message is clear: apps must not disclose or process personal information via AI without user consent.

Other changes to the Apple App Review Guidelines

This update was one of several revisions Apple released on Thursday. Other changes include:

• Rules supporting Apple’s new Mini Apps Program
• Updated requirements for creator apps
• Compliance updates for loan apps
• New regulatory oversight for crypto exchange apps

Each update aims to modernize the App Store as AI, fintech, and digital workflows rapidly evolve.

Apple’s AI-ready App Store future

As Apple prepares for a next-generation Siri, the revised Apple App Review Guidelines suggest the company is reinforcing the privacy foundation that will underpin its larger AI strategy.

The new rules ensure that while Apple moves deeper into AI, developers can’t quietly share user data with outside AI companies — preserving Apple’s reputation as the most privacy-focused tech giant.