Apple on Wednesday assured developers that its new privacy information requirement on the App Store will apply equally to all iOS apps, even its own pre-installed apps.
The clarification comes on the heels of Facebook-owned WhatsApp’s accusation that Apple has a double standard when it comes to privacy labels. WhatsApp accused Apple of anti-competitive behavior as Apple’s iMessage is pre-installed on iPhones and doesn’t require a download from the App Store, where the new privacy labels will be shown.
Apple’s announcement clarifies that the dozens of apps available through the App Store – including Apple Books, Apple Podcasts, GarageBand, and numerous other apps – will be required to display the same privacy “nutritional labels” as third-party apps.
Apps that are built-in to iOS – such as Messages, Apple Music, and others – will have their privacy information published on Apple’s website. Apple says the information will be presented in the same way as it appears in the App Store.
As of December 8, developers are required to include the new privacy information when submitting apps and app updates to the App Store. It isn’t known when exactly the privacy labels will begin appearing in the App Store.