Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 7, 2026

Overview

AmberTime ("the App") is a local-first backup tool developed by an independent developer. The App is designed with a fundamental principle: your files are never uploaded to AmberTime servers. Backups are written to the external storage drive you choose; if you choose to include iCloud-only originals, Apple may deliver those originals to your device before AmberTime writes them to the drive.

Data Collection

We do not collect any data. Specifically:

• No personal information is collected
• No usage analytics or telemetry
• No crash reporting to external services
• No advertising identifiers
• No cookies or tracking pixels

Data Storage

AmberTime stores its own app data on your device and writes backup files to the external storage device you connect:

• Backup records — stored locally in an on-device SQLite database to track which files have been backed up
• Bookmark data — iOS security-scoped bookmarks that allow the App to remember your chosen source and destination directories
• App preferences — theme and language settings stored in UserDefaults on your device

No user files are transmitted to AmberTime servers. AmberTime does not operate cloud storage for your files. Optional iCloud original downloads are handled by Apple when you choose to include iCloud-only items.

Photo Library Access

AmberTime requests access to your Photo Library solely to read photos and videos for backup purposes. The App never modifies, deletes, or writes to your Photo Library. Photos are read from your library and written to the external drive you specify.

External Drive Access

The App accesses external storage devices (USB drives, SD cards, SSDs) that you explicitly connect and authorize through the iOS file picker. Access is limited to the directories you select.

Network Usage

AmberTime does not upload user files to AmberTime servers and does not use analytics, remote configuration, or our own file-storage servers. Network access may be used when you choose to download iCloud-only originals from Apple, and purchase or restore flows for Pro features are handled by Apple's StoreKit. These flows do not involve any server operated by us.

Third-Party Services

AmberTime uses no third-party SDKs, analytics frameworks, or external services. The only dependency is GRDB (an open-source SQLite library) which runs entirely on-device.

Required Reason APIs

As declared in our Privacy Manifest (PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy), the App uses the following Apple-required reason APIs:

• File Timestamp API (C617.1) — to determine which files are new or changed for incremental backup
• Disk Space API (E174.1) — to show available space on your external drive and prevent backup when full
• UserDefaults API (CA92.1) — to store your app preferences (theme, language)

Children's Privacy

AmberTime does not collect any data from any user, including children under 13.

Changes to This Policy

If we update this privacy policy, we will post the revised version on this page with an updated date. Since we collect no data, changes are unlikely to affect you.

Contact

If you have questions about this privacy policy, you can reach us at:
amber@reddash.app