Privacy Policy
Last updated: June 12, 2026
Tephra is a voice-note app designed with privacy at its core. We believe your thoughts are yours alone. This policy explains what data Tephra handles, how it's used, and why we've built the app to keep as much as possible on your device.
Data We Collect & How It's Used
Audio is temporarily recorded for the sole purpose of transcription. Transcription happens entirely on-device using Apple's speech framework. Audio is deleted immediately after transcription completes. It is never sent to any server.
If you grant location permission, your city and country are tagged to notes using Apple's geocoding services. Precise GPS coordinates are not stored. Location tagging is optional and can be disabled at any time in your device settings.
For Pro subscribers, transcribed text is sent to our server for AI-powered formatting, including title generation, cleanup, and tagging. For BYOK (Bring Your Own Key) users, text is sent directly to the user's chosen AI provider — OpenAI, Google Gemini, Anthropic, or Groq — without passing through our servers.
If you use your own API key, it is stored securely in the device's Keychain — Apple's encrypted, hardware-backed credential storage. Your API key is never transmitted to our servers.
iCloud Drive & Storage
Notes are stored as Markdown files in iCloud Drive or locally on your device, at your choice. When using iCloud Drive, your data is governed by Apple's privacy policy and your iCloud account settings. We do not have access to your iCloud data.
No tracking. No analytics. No ads. No third-party SDKs that collect data. No account required to use the app.
Data Retention
Audio recordings are deleted immediately after transcription. Notes persist in your chosen storage location until you delete them. We do not maintain server-side copies of your notes.
Children's Privacy
Tephra is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.
Changes to This Policy
If we make changes to this Privacy Policy, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically for any changes.
Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please reach out.
Email us at
contact@example.com