Your information
Privacy Policy
Last updated October 11, 2026
Hearken is an independent scripture study app for iPhone and iPad. This policy explains what information the app handles and the choices available to you.
In brief
Hearken does not use advertising, analytics, or tracking. Your study information is stored on your device and, when iCloud is available, synced through Apple’s iCloud services to your private iCloud account. The developer does not operate a server that collects your study data.
Information stored by Hearken
To provide the app’s features, Hearken may store information you create or information about how you use the app, including:
- Highlights, underlines, notes, bookmarks, reading position, and reading progress.
- Study plans, reminders, quiz and review activity, subject mastery, XP, badges, and related progress.
- App preferences, such as appearance, text size, and highlight colors.
- If you choose to sign in with Apple, an Apple account identifier stored in the device Keychain and any name or email address Apple provides. Apple may offer a private relay email address. Sign-in is optional.
- If you add them, a profile photo and study-group information. Group content may be shared with the people you invite to that group.
Hearken’s privacy disclosures state that the developer does not collect data through the app and that the app does not track you. Information stored in your private iCloud account is handled by Apple under Apple’s own terms and privacy policies; it is not sent to a Hearken-operated account or server.
iCloud and Apple services
Hearken can use CloudKit to sync app data with your iCloud account and Apple’s iCloud key-value storage for certain preferences and profile details. Availability depends on your device, Apple Account, and iCloud settings. If you do not use iCloud, app data remains on your device. Apple processes information as described in its Privacy Policy.
Sign in with Apple is optional. If you use it, Apple authenticates your sign-in and shares only the information you authorize. You can manage Hearken’s Sign in with Apple access in your Apple Account settings.
Other services and links
Some optional features may connect to third-party services. For example, listening voices may require downloading a model from its hosting provider; learning content may embed a YouTube player; and scripture references may open an external website. Those providers may receive technical information such as your IP address when your device connects to them. Their privacy policies and terms apply to their services. You can choose whether to use these features.
Notifications and permissions
If you enable study reminders or other notifications, Hearken uses your device’s notification services to deliver them. You can change notification permissions in iOS Settings. If you choose a profile photo, iOS asks you to select it through the system photo picker.
Retention and deletion
Your study data is kept on your device and in your iCloud account for as long as you keep it. You can remove app data using the data or account deletion controls in Hearken Settings, and you can manage iCloud data using Apple’s iCloud settings. You can also stop using iCloud sync by signing out of iCloud or changing your device’s iCloud settings. Deleting data from a device while sync is enabled may sync that deletion to your other devices.
Signing out of Hearken does not itself erase your study data. Apple separately controls Sign in with Apple credentials and iCloud data. To request help with deletion, contact swarren@mail.com.
Children’s privacy
Hearken is not designed to collect personal information from children. The developer does not operate an account or analytics server for the app. Parents and guardians should supervise children’s use of Apple Accounts, iCloud, and any third-party services.
Changes to this policy
This policy may be updated as Hearken changes. The current version and its update date will be posted on this page.
Contact
Questions about privacy? Email swarren@mail.com.