1. The short version
Stepper doesn't ask you to create an account, doesn't show ads, and doesn't use third-party analytics or tracking. The routes and walks you create are stored on your iPhone and, if you use iCloud, in your own private iCloud storage. We, the developer, can't see them.
2. Who we are
Stepper is an iOS app made by Anastasiia Vysotska ("we", "us"). This policy explains what information the app uses, why, and the choices you have. If you have questions, contact us at anavy.design@gmail.com.
3. Information the app uses
Stepper only uses information it needs to plan and track your walks. Each type is used on your device for app functionality:
| Information | Why | Where it is stored |
|---|---|---|
| Precise location (GPS) | Show your position on the map and record where you walk during a walk | On your device. Your walked path is saved with a completed walk. |
| Route waypoints (points you place on the map) | Build, save and reload routes and calculate walking distance | On your device and in your private iCloud (see section 4) |
| Motion & fitness data (pedometer step count) | Count your steps during a walk | On your device. The step total is saved with a completed walk. |
| Photos you choose | Attach up to three photos to a saved walk, and set an optional profile picture | On your device. Walk photos also sync via your private iCloud. Only the photos you select are accessible to the app, through the system photo picker. |
| Profile name and picture (optional) | Personalise your profile | On your device only |
| Settings (for example km/mi, onboarding completed) | Remember your preferences | On your device only |
| Walk statistics and rank (time, steps, distance, calories estimates, totals) | Show your history and profile rank | Calculated on your device from your walks |
4. Where your data is stored
Your routes and walks are saved in a database on your iPhone. If you're signed into iCloud, they are also synced to your private iCloud database using Apple's CloudKit, so they back up and appear on your other Apple devices. That data belongs to your Apple Account and is protected under Apple's Privacy Policy. We have no access to it.
We don't operate our own servers for Stepper and we don't receive copies of your routes, walks, location history or photos.
5. Third-party services
Google Maps. Stepper uses the Google Maps SDK for iOS to display maps and the Google Directions API to calculate walking routes. To do this:
- The coordinates of your waypoints (and, when a route is recalculated during a walk, your current position) are sent to Google's servers to return a walking route.
- The Google Maps SDK may automatically collect technical data such as device identifiers, IP address, device metadata, crash and performance data and map interaction data (for example zooming and panning). Google states it uses this data to operate and improve its services.
Google acts as an independent controller of this data. It is governed by the Google Privacy Policy. Use of Google Maps is also subject to the Google Maps/Google Earth Additional Terms of Service.
Apple iCloud / CloudKit. If you are signed into iCloud on your device and iCloud is available to Stepper, your saved routes and completed walks (including waypoints, route lines, walked paths, statistics and attached photos) are synced through your own private iCloud database. This data is encrypted by Apple and is accessible only to you. We (the developer) cannot see, access or download it. Apple's handling of it is described in Apple's Privacy Policy.
We do not use any advertising, analytics or attribution SDKs.
6. What we don't do
- We don't require an account, email address or password.
- We don't show ads or use advertising identifiers.
- We don't use third-party analytics or tracking tools.
- We don't track you across other companies' apps or websites.
- We don't sell or share your personal information.
7. Your choices
- Turn access to Location, Motion & Fitness or Photos on or off at any time in iOS Settings › Stepper. Some features, such as tracking a walk, won't work without them.
- Delete any saved route or completed walk inside the app.
- Deleting the app removes the data stored on your iPhone.
- Manage or delete Stepper's iCloud data in Settings › [your name] › iCloud › Manage Account Storage.
8. Data retention
Your data stays on your device and in your iCloud until you delete it. Because we don't hold copies, there's nothing for us to retain after you remove it.
9. Background location
During an active walk, Stepper can keep using your location while the app is in the background or your screen is off, so your route and distance continue to be recorded. Background location is used only while a walk is in progress. You can turn location off at any time in iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Stepper.
10. Children
Stepper isn't directed to children under 13, and we don't knowingly collect personal information from anyone. If you believe a child has shared information with us, contact us and we'll help.
11. Security
Stepper relies on the protections built into iOS and iCloud, including device encryption and encrypted transfer to Apple and Google. No method of storage or transmission is perfectly secure, but we keep what the app handles to a minimum.
12. Your rights
Depending on where you live, laws such as the GDPR or CCPA give you rights to access, correct or delete your personal information. Since your data is held on your device and in your iCloud, you can exercise these rights directly in the app and in iOS Settings. You're also welcome to contact us with any request.
13. Changes to this policy
If we change this policy, we'll update the date at the top of this page. For significant changes, we'll also let you know in the app.
14. Contact us
Questions or requests about privacy: anavy.design@gmail.com.