Decoding Apple Privacy Manifests for iOS Developers

Apple announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023 in June new initiatives to increase transparency about mobile app privacy. All mobile app developers will be required to submit a privacy manifest that details data collection practices and usages when they add or update an iOS app in App Store Connect, the platform used for publishing and tracking performance in the App Store.

Apple will offer a grace period for developers to become familiar with the forthcoming privacy requirements.

Beginning in fall 2023, Apple will email developers via when an app uses a privacy-impacting SDK without providing a privacy manifest or taps a required reason API without specifying a valid explanation in the privacy manifest. Starting in spring 2024, the privacy manifest will become mandatory and Apple will begin enforcing that requirement as part of the app review process.