Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy — Emberlist

Last updated: July 17, 2026

Contact: emberlist.app@outlook.com

Emberlist is a personal project backlog app for iPhone and iPad. This page explains what data is involved when you use the app.

In short

Your project list stays on your device by default.

If you use iCloud, your list can back up to your private iCloud (through Apple), not to a public Emberlist database of everyone’s projects.

Research with Grok is optional. If you use it, your project title and brief (and any gear or store preferences you set for research) are sent to our servers only long enough to call the AI provider and return a result. We do not keep an archive of your project text on our servers.

Research credits and purchase records are stored on our backend so your balance can work across reinstalls and across your devices when you are signed into the same iCloud account.

We do not sell your personal data.

There is no Emberlist email/password account and no subscription.

Data on your device

Emberlist stores on your device (and optionally in your private iCloud):

• Projects, steps, supplies, ranks, notes, and settings you create

• Optional due dates and feature preferences

• A local copy of your research credit balance for display

iCloud backup (projects)

If you are signed into iCloud and CloudKit is available, Emberlist may store a backup of your list in your private CloudKit database so you can restore it on another device with the same Apple ID. That backup is covered by Apple’s iCloud terms and privacy practices. Emberlist does not require a separate Emberlist login for your list.

Research credits and purchases

To provide free trial credits, research spending, and In-App Purchases, we:

• Create a server account tied to a device identifier and, when available, a stable iCloud identity so credits can follow you across your devices without an Emberlist password

• Store your credit balance, simple ledger entries (for example trial, purchase, research spend, refunds), and related technical status

Apple processes payment for the app and consumable credit packs. We receive the purchase confirmation needed to grant credits. We do not receive your full payment card number.

Optional AI research (Grok)

If you choose Research with Grok:

1. The app sends the project title, brief, and any research preferences (owned gear names, preferred stores) to our backend.

2. Our backend calls the AI provider (xAI) to generate estimates, steps, and supply suggestions.

3. The result is returned to your device for you to review and edit.

We designed research in a way so we do not retain the text of your research requests as a project archive on our servers. The text must be processed in memory during the request to generate the result. If you never use Research, that content is not sent for AI processing.

AI output is an estimate only. You should verify prices, availability, and safety for your own situation.

Analytics, ads, and tracking

Emberlist does not include third-party advertising for personalized ads. We do not sell your data to data brokers. Our hosting provider may process limited technical information (such as that a request occurred, errors, and timestamps) so we can run the service.

Children

Emberlist is not directed at children under 13. Do not use the app if you are under 13.

Your choices

• Do not use Research if you do not want project text processed for AI.

• Turn off iCloud for the app if you do not want list backup (your list stays on that device only).

• Email us with privacy questions: emberlist.app@outlook.com

Changes

We may update this policy. When we do, we will change the “Last updated” date at the top. Continued use of the app after a change means you accept the updated policy.

Contact

Email: emberlist.app@outlook.com

App: Emberlist (iOS)