It has been asked several times in the forum, but apple has always maintained that screenshot capture prevention is not supported, how is it that whatsapp and several financial apps are doing it, if screenshot capturing is not possible, its not DRM, is it the adding of a secured text as a layer on to the uiview layer? how have they designed a custom screen if that is the case? Also how is it getting approved by apple! If detection of airplay is possible and can be suppressed, why not screenshot?
Privacy
RSS for tagDiscuss how to secure user data, respect user data preferences, support iCloud Private Relay and Mail Privacy Protection, replace CAPTCHAs with Private Access Tokens, and more. Ask about Privacy nutrition labels, Privacy manifests, and more.
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Hello Apple Developer Team,
I would love to see iCloud Keychain Autofill and Touch ID support extended to Chromium-based browsers on macOS (such as Ecosia, Brave, or Vivaldi).
Currently, Safari allows autofill of passwords using Touch ID, but when using other browsers, I have to manually copy-paste credentials from Keychain Access, which is time-consuming.
Would it be possible for Apple to provide an API or framework that allows non-WebKit browsers to integrate iCloud Keychain autofill while keeping security intact?
This feature would make macOS more convenient for users who prefer alternative browsers while keeping security standards high.
Thanks in advance for considering this!
Best regards, Kilian
When a user first downloads my application they are prompted to sign into their apple account via a pop up.
I have not had this pop up previously, I believe the change occurred after iOS18.
I have functions that do a few things:
Retrieves userRecordID
Retrieves a userprofile(via userrecordid) from cloudkit.
I am currently developing a No-Sandbox application.
What I want to achieve is to use AuthorizationCopyRights in a No-Sandbox application to elevate to root, then register SMAppService.daemon after elevation, and finally call the registered daemon from within the No-Sandbox application.
Implementation Details
Here is the Plist that I am registering with SMAppService:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
<key>Label</key>
<string>com.example.agent</string>
<key>BundleProgram</key>
<string>/usr/local/bin/test</string>
<key>ProgramArguments</key>
<array>
<string>/usr/local/bin/test</string>
<string>login</string>
</array>
<key>RunAtLoad</key>
<true/>
</dict>
</plist>
Code that successfully performs privilege escalation (a helper tool popup appears)
private func registerSMAppServiceDaemon() -> Bool {
let service = SMAppService.daemon(plistName: "com.example.plist")
do {
try service.register()
print("Successfully registered \(service)")
return true
} catch {
print("Unable to register \(error)")
return false
}
}
private func levelUpRoot() -> Bool {
var authRef: AuthorizationRef?
let status = AuthorizationCreate(nil, nil, [], &authRef)
if status != errAuthorizationSuccess {
return false
}
let rightName = kSMRightBlessPrivilegedHelper
return rightName.withCString { cStringName -> Bool in
var authItem = AuthorizationItem(
name: cStringName,
valueLength: 0,
value: nil,
flags: 0
)
return withUnsafeMutablePointer(to: &authItem) { authItemPointer -> Bool in
var authRights = AuthorizationRights(count: 1, items: authItemPointer)
let authFlags: AuthorizationFlags = [.interactionAllowed, .preAuthorize, .extendRights]
let status = AuthorizationCopyRights(authRef!, &authRights, nil, authFlags, nil)
if status == errAuthorizationSuccess {
if !registerSMAppServiceDaemon() {
return false
}
return true
}
return false
}
}
}
Error Details
Unable to register Error Domain=SMAppServiceErrorDomain Code=1 "Operation not permitted" UserInfo={NSLocalizedFailureReason=Operation not permitted}
The likely cause of this error is that /usr/local/bin/test is being bundled.
However, based on my understanding, since this is a non-sandboxed application, the binary should be accessible as long as it is run as root.
Trying
post as mentioned in the response, placing the test binary under Contents/Resources/ allows SMAppService to successfully register it. However, executing the binary results in a different error.
Here is the plist at that time.
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
<key>Label</key>
<string>com.example.agent</string>
<key>BundleProgram</key>
<string>Contents/Resources/test</string>
<key>ProgramArguments</key>
<array>
<string>Contents/Resources/test</string>
<string>login</string>
</array>
<key>RunAtLoad</key>
<true/>
</dict>
</plist>
Here is the function at that time.
private func executeBin() {
let bundle = Bundle.main
if let binaryPath = bundle.path(forResource: "test", ofType: nil) {
print(binaryPath)
let task = Process()
task.executableURL = URL(fileURLWithPath: binaryPath)
task.arguments = ["login"]
let pipe = Pipe()
task.standardOutput = pipe
task.standardError = pipe
do {
try task.run()
let outputData = pipe.fileHandleForReading.readDataToEndOfFile()
if let output = String(data: outputData, encoding: .utf8) {
print("Binary output: \(output)")
}
task.waitUntilExit()
if task.terminationStatus == 0 {
print("Binary executed successfully")
} else {
print("Binary execution failed with status: \(task.terminationStatus)")
}
} catch {
print("Error executing binary: \(error)")
}
} else {
print("Binary not found in the app bundle")
}
}
Executed After Error
Binary output:
Binary execution failed with status: 5
Are there any other ways to execute a specific binary as root when using AuthorizationCopyRights?
For example, by preparing a Helper Tool?
When the iCloud Passwords Chrome extension is on, there is a 400-500ms lag between clicking on a non-password field and the UI reflecting any changes made by a .on("focus") jQuery listener.
When the extension is disabled, there is no lag.
See below the performance profiles for the same 4 click events.
Extension ON:
Extension OFF:
I’m building an iOS app that collects user PII (emails, names) and stores it in my backend database. I already use HTTPS for data transfer, but I’m unsure if Apple requires server-side encryption for stored data.
For example:
If a user’s email is stored in plain text on my server (but transmitted securely via HTTPS), will this violate App Store guidelines?
Does Apple explicitly mandate encryption-at-rest for PII, or is it just a recommendation?
Are there exceptions for non-sensitive data like usernames?
I checked App Store Review Guidelines §5.1.1, which says "data must be stored securely," but it’s unclear if this requires encryption.
Context:
The app targets U.S. users (no GDPR/CCPA concerns).
No financial/health data is involved.
Is plain-text server storage of emails/names acceptable, or will this risk rejection? Thanks for any clarity!
Topic:
App Store Distribution & Marketing
SubTopic:
App Review
Tags:
App Store
App Store Connect
Security
Privacy
Hi folks,
I would like to ask for clarification regarding Local Network Policy. I found 2 cases where I think the behaviour differs from the documentation.
1. Use case
In a CI environment, we have multiple services (LaunchAgents) which require Local Network Access. We are fine by manually approving the Local Network Permission once (per service), but we also require these services to be able to self-update. Self update results in downloading the a binary with an (obviously) different UUID, which seems to result in re-triggering the Local Network Consent prompt. Strange thing: If I don't click either buttons (Allow of Reject), just restart macOS, it will result in an enabled entry in Privacy & Security > Local Network.
I read a reply somewhere on this forum by an Apple engineer that the approval process is a mix of Bundle ID + UUID + other components, so I would expect a new binary with the same properties (but different UUID) to be already whitelisted.
Is this behaviour intended?
2. Use Case
Given the first issue, I decided to do this in the "right way".
I was happy to read this sentence in the documentation:
If you ship a launchd agent that’s not installed using SMAppService, make macOS aware of the responsible code by setting the AssociatedBundleIdentifiers property in your launchd property list.
I have a properly setup (and code signed) Application, for which I have enabled Local Network permission in Privacy & Security.
I have a standalone LaunchAgent, which runs a long running binary from a user directory. The agent is managed with launchd, and in this sense it is "independent" from the main Application Bundle. I have setup AssociatedBundleIdentifiers in the Agent plist, to associate it with the Application. The TeamIdentifier of the 2 binaries are the same. Based on the documentation, this should be enough for my agent to signal macOS that the responsible code is the Application Bundle (which is already enabled from Local Network POV).
Instead, once the LaunchAgent starts, the Local Network Consent popup appears for the binary. I would expect the Application to be the responsible code, thus no more Consent popup.
Is this behaviour intended?
I need this service to run as user, so I cannot just circumvent the Consent popup by running as a Daemon or Root. Nor I would like to manage the Agent with ServiceManagement. What do you guys think, have I misunderstood the documentation?
Hi everyone,
I’m currently facing an issue while trying to submit an update for my app to the App Store. The review process is blocking the update due to a "Privacy - Data Use and Sharing" warning, stating that our app requests "tracking purchase history for tracking purposes."
However, we have already removed this functionality and deleted the NSUserTrackingUsageDescription key from our latest build. Despite this, the warning persists, and we are unable to proceed with the update.
I have already contacted Apple Support, but in the meantime, I wanted to ask the community:
Has anyone else encountered this issue, and if so, how did you resolve it?
Is there a way to force a refresh of privacy-related settings in App Store Connect?
Are there any additional steps we need to take to completely remove this tracking flag from our app submission?
Any insights or guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for your help.
I am reaching out regarding the ITMS-91061 rejection issue we encountered while submitting our app to the App Store. The rejection is related to missing privacy manifests for Firebase and related SDKs.
Currently, our PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy file is structured as follows:
Could you please confirm whether we can modify this file to include Firebase-related privacy information to resolve the rejection? If so, could you provide guidance on the correct format and the necessary entries we should add?
We appreciate your support and look forward to your response.
Hello, I have created an app for both iOs and Android where upon speaking two trigger words, the listening app sends a text and then calls to an inputted designated phone contact. The Android version works perfectly. The iOs version also works perfectly but the iOs app emiits a PopUp for each, the text and then the call asking "Do you really want to send the text -or- make the call". Basically, I input the contact info and I spoke the trigger words. So, yes I want to send the text and make the call. So, I have to click the two PopUps then the device sends and calls.
Is there a way to suppress the PopUps in any way? The app is designed for emergencies. So, a dely to anser a popup is not at all good.
Maybe by telling the device to allow auto calls and texts from my app?
Any and all help on this issue will be very welcomed...
Thanks :)
Hello Apple Developers,
I’m developing an iOS app that requires access to the user’s contacts. I understand that starting from iOS 14, Apple introduced two levels of contact permissions:
1️⃣ Full Access – The app can read all contacts.
2️⃣ Limited Access – The app can only access contacts selected by the user.
My Question:
If a user initially grants Limited Access, is it allowed by Apple’s guidelines to request Full Access later?
🔹 I understand that re-requesting permission immediately after the user denies it is against Apple’s policies.
🔹 However, if the user has already granted Limited Access, and we first show an explanation modal explaining why Full Access is beneficial, can we then prompt them to change their settings via openAppSettings()?
🔹 Alternatively, can we use Permission.contacts.request() again to re-prompt the user for Full Access, or will iOS prevent the permission prompt from appearing again?
How We Handle This in the App:
1️⃣ If a user selects Limited Access, we respect their choice and only access their selected contacts.
2️⃣ Later, if Full Access is necessary for an enhanced experience, we display a clear explanation modal explaining why the app needs Full Access.
3️⃣ If the user agrees, we attempt to guide them to openAppSettings(), allowing them to manually change the permission.
4️⃣ However, if Permission.contacts.request() can be used to directly request Full Access again, we would like to know if this is acceptable.
We want to ensure that our implementation follows Apple’s privacy guidelines while providing the best user experience.
Any official guidance or best practices on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance!
Apps made through .net maui don't work with local networks.
I'm using the .net 8 framework, and I followed the app to the ios system through .net Maui after connecting it to the computer through a data cable.
When I open the app, I get a request to access the local network and I agree to it. But still my app is not accessible.
I have asserted it correctly inside info.plist.
How can I fix this issue
Reproduce:
Download live-caller-id-lookup-example
Add
let url = URL(string: "http://another-macbook.local:80")!
let task = URLSession.shared.dataTask(with: url) {(data, response, error) in
guard let data = data else { return }
print(String(data: data, encoding: .utf8)!)
}
task.resume()
anywhere in the code
run PIRService target in xcode
Result: no dialogue, host is unreachable
Works fine when launching same binary from terminal
I have these two pods:
Frameworks/GTMSessionFetcher.framework/GTMSessionFetcher
Frameworks/GoogleToolboxForMac.framework/GoogleToolboxForMac
they are showing this error:
ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest
I've tried manually making privacy files, I've tried updating the SDK's too. I cant update them because firebase depends on GTM Session at a lower version and if I update, MLKit depends on toolbox (even though its deprecating) If I upgrade then the whole project explodes. What do I do. I need help.
this is all I get and it doesn't help:
https://developer.apple.com/support/third-party-SDK-requirements
We are developing a Flutter application targeted for MacOS and Windows . We are using the FlutterMacOS and connectivity_plus packages in our app
But whenever we are releasing a version to App Store we are getting the privacy manifest file missing for above 2 packages
We tried to add xcPrivacy file inside the Runner Xcode project. But that doesn't solve the issue
Adding the relevant lines from the warning email getting from App Store below
"ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest - Your app includes “Contents/Frameworks/FlutterMacOS.framework/Versions/A/FlutterMacOS”, which includes Flutter, an SDK that was identified in the documentation as a commonly used third-party SDK. Starting February 12, 2025, if a new app includes a commonly used third-party SDK, or an app update adds a new commonly used third-party SDK, the SDK must include a privacy manifest file or you won’t be able to submit the app for review in App Store Connect. Please contact the provider of the SDK that includes this file to get an updated SDK version with a privacy manifest. For more details about this policy, including a list of SDKs that are required to include signatures and manifests, visit: https://developer.apple.com/support/third-party-SDK-requirements.
ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest - Your app includes “Contents/Frameworks/connectivity_plus.framework/Versions/A/connectivity_plus”, which includes connectivity_plus, an SDK that was identified in the documentation as a commonly used third-party SDK. Starting February 12, 2025, if a new app includes a commonly used third-party SDK, or an app update adds a new commonly used third-party SDK, the SDK must include a privacy manifest file or you won’t be able to submit the app for review in App Store Connect. Please contact the provider of the SDK that includes this file to get an updated SDK version with a privacy manifest. For more details about this policy, including a list of SDKs that are required to include signatures and manifests, visit: https://developer.apple.com/support/third-party-SDK-requirements."
Please suggest a solution to solve this issue as early as possible , because February 12th onwards we will get blocked to release new versions
Hello,
I have been testing my app in iOS 18 device and while creating a server with TCP, then apple make a request for local network permission automatically. If we don't allow the permission, the connection not working. We are getting the connection timeout error even after allowing again from device setting.
Has something changed in the flow for iOS 18 version? Can someone help me to solve this issue?
Hi Team,
OS is prompting for local network permission for our application which runs as root level daemon.
As per the our analysis, it looks like it is prompting from our own library which is trying to get network info ' using /usr/sbin/system_profiler with "-xml -detailLevel basic SPNetworkDataType" and then trying to iterate to find DNS.ServerAddresses for each item. Then using [NSHost hostWithAddress:IPAddress];(When this library is not linked to the app then there is no prompt, so most likely this is the code that is resulting in the prompt).
Is this expected ? . Is there any other way that we can get DNS host name without being prompted for local network permission on mac OS 15
Hi,
I hope someone is able to help me with this query:
Is there a mandatory requirement to display a view before presenting the App Tracking Transparency modal to explain to the user why the app is asking for tracking? I see there are a few apps which do this, but I don't see any mention of this as a mandatory requirement within the app store review guidelines. The modal can be customised with a description detailing why the app is asking for tracking and I believe this may be sufficient to pass an app store review.
The guidelines also mention that the app must provide access to information about how and where the data will be used. We have these details in our privacy policy which is accessible from within the app. Is this sufficient or do we need a pre-modal view which contains a direct link the the privacy policy.
Any advice on this would be much appreciated.
I am trying to submit my app for review on appstoreconnect, but after every attempt it immediately says your app has been changed to invalid binary and rejected. The error related to this rejections is:
ITMS-91064: Invalid tracking information - A PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy file contains invalid tracking information at the following path: “Frameworks/MapboxCoreSearch.framework/PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy”. NSPrivacyTracking must be true if NSPrivacyTrackingDomains isn’t empty. Keys and values in your app’s privacy manifests must be valid.
Despite the fact that my app's PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy states no that there are no tracking domains, privacy tracking is not enabled and that the Privacy Nutrition Label Types clearly state that there are no particular tracking happening across the selected the labels, which are course location, precise location and search history. The information in the IPrivacyInfo.xcprivacy in the app privacy settings and reflect that there is no tracking happening. I have attempted changing the details and I still get the same error. I've tried every solution and it still gets flagged for this.
Topic:
App Store Distribution & Marketing
SubTopic:
App Review
Tags:
App Tracking Transparency
App Store
Frameworks
Privacy
There are different kinds of screen-sharing applications, all using different APIs.
The API used by AnyDesk, for example, or TeamViewer, which doesn't require light signals.
I wonder if this is more appropriate for a corporate application, i.e. MDM,
A screen-sharing application could be created and validated by Apple to display no light signals, and which could access the user's screen whenever the person wanted to after an initial acceptance?
In other words, the user accepts to share his screen once, but won't be notified to accept the next time.
Or is this impossible on iOS?
I'd be honored to have some answers