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Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

SoundLeaf is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our iOS application. Your audiobook browsing, playback, and downloads happen directly between the app on your device and your Audiobookshelf server. SoundLeaf does not sit in between. A small amount of data is processed on SoundLeaf-operated infrastructure for aggregate app usage (section 2.2), in-app purchases, the optional Hall of Supporters, and Podcast Discovery (sections 5 and 6).

2. Information Collection

2.1 Information You Provide

We collect the following information that you voluntarily provide, which is stored on your device to connect to your Audiobookshelf server and maintain your preferences and progress:

  • Audiobookshelf server URL and credentials
  • App preferences and settings
  • Playback history and progress

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

We collect the following technical information:

  • Device information (iOS version, device model)
  • App performance data
  • Crash reports (if enabled)
  • A random install ID, app version, locale, and aggregate usage and settings information to understand app and feature use

3. Use of Information

We use your information solely to:

  • Connect directly to your Audiobookshelf server for audiobook content
  • Provide core app functionality on your device
  • Save your preferences and playback progress locally
  • Validate in-app purchase entitlements and, if you opt in, display your name in the Hall of Supporters
  • Improve app performance and stability

Important Privacy Note: Your audiobook library, server credentials, and per-book playback progress never reach SoundLeaf’s servers. They stay on your device or go directly to your Audiobookshelf server. Other data is sent to SoundLeaf when you make an in-app purchase (to validate entitlement), opt in to the Hall of Supporters (to display your chosen name), or use Podcast Discovery (section 6). Apart from these, the app sends the usage information described in section 2.2. See sections 5 and 6 for details.

4. Data Storage and Security

We protect your data through:

  • Server credentials and authentication tokens are stored securely in Apple’s Keychain and can transfer with an encrypted device backup or device transfer
  • Per-book playback progress stays on your device or goes directly to your Audiobookshelf server
  • Apple handles all payment processing; SoundLeaf never sees your payment card details
  • Transaction records and (if you opt in) your Hall of Supporters display name are stored on SoundLeaf-operated infrastructure (see section 5)
  • Data backup is handled through iCloud (if enabled by you)

5. Purchases & Supporter Subscription

SoundLeaf offers two in-app purchases:

  • Pro: a one-time purchase that unlocks premium features (premium themes, premium app icons).
  • SoundLeaf Supporter: a monthly or yearly auto-renewing subscription that unlocks every Pro feature, plus supporter-exclusive app icons and themes, a Supporter badge in Settings, and an optional listing in the Hall of Supporters.

5.1 Payment and Transaction Data

Apple processes all payments through the App Store. When you complete a purchase, Apple issues a signed receipt; we store a copy of that receipt and its fields on our backend so we can confirm your entitlement is active. We specifically store:

  • Transaction ID and product ID
  • Purchase and expiration dates
  • The Apple-signed JWS receipt

We retain this data for as long as your entitlement is active and for a reasonable period afterwards for accounting and support purposes.

5.2 Hall of Supporters (Optional)

The Hall of Supporters is entirely optional and available only to Supporter subscribers. If you opt in:

  • You choose the display name shown; it does not have to be your real name
  • You choose whether your name is shown publicly on the in-app Hall of Supporters and at soundleafapp.com/hall-of-supporters
  • You can change your display name or opt out at any time from Settings → Hall of Supporters

6. Podcast Discovery

Podcast Discovery (charts, search and show pages) is served by SoundLeaf’s own server, which fetches and caches public podcast directory data and feeds so the app does not have to. Your Audiobookshelf server and library are not involved.

When you use it, our server records each request: your IP address, the app version, what was asked for (such as the chart country and category, the search text, or the show opened) and whether the request worked. We use these records to keep the service working, to prevent abuse, and to understand which features are used. They are not linked to your Audiobookshelf account or your purchases, and are never sold or shared.

7. Third-Party Services

Our app integrates with:

  • Your personal Audiobookshelf server
  • Apple’s App Store (for in-app purchases)
  • Apple’s iCloud services (optional)
  • Apple’s crash reporting system
  • Cloudflare (the network in front of the SoundLeaf backend)

Each third-party service has its own privacy policy and data handling practices.

8. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

  • Access and delete your local app data
  • Opt out of iCloud backup
  • Disable crash reporting
  • Remove server connections
  • Change or remove your Hall of Supporters display name, or opt out of the public list

9. Children’s Privacy

Our app does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us to have the data removed.

10. Changes to Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy in the app and updating the “Last Updated” date below.

Last updated: September 30, 2026

Contact: For questions about this privacy policy, please visit our GitHub repository.