Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 9, 2026

AppSteward ("the App", "we", "our") is committed to being transparent about the information it uses to function. This policy explains exactly what data leaves your device, why, and what we do not collect.

How AppSteward Works

AppSteward's core function is to compare the versions of apps installed on your Mac against a version catalogue maintained on our servers. To do this, the App reads metadata about your installed applications and sends some of that metadata to our servers. No personal information is included in these requests, and nothing in the data can identify you, your hardware, or your Apple account.

Anonymous Install Identifier

When you first run AppSteward, the App generates a random UUID (universally unique identifier) and stores it in your Mac's Keychain. This identifier:

• Is a randomly generated string with no connection to your hardware, Apple ID, or any personal information
• Is used to group requests from the same installation (for example, to associate feedback with a scan)
• Is sent alongside version check and feedback requests to our servers
• Cannot be used to identify or re-identify you as an individual

Application Data Sent to Our Servers

During a scan, AppSteward sends information about your installed applications to our catalogue service in order to look up current versions. The data sent depends on the type of app:

For Mac App Store apps:

• Bundle identifier (e.g. com.example.appname)
• Application name
• App Store identifier
• Storefront country code (derived from your locale, e.g. "gb" or "us")
• Your preferred language setting

For apps installed outside the Mac App Store:

• Bundle identifier
• Your anonymous install identifier
• Installed version and build number
• Your preferred language setting

For apps not yet in our catalogue (first-time submission):

If AppSteward encounters an app it doesn't recognise, it submits additional metadata to help us add it to the catalogue. This includes:

• Bundle identifier and application name
• Your anonymous install identifier
• Version and build number
• Developer name and Apple Team Identifier (from the app's code signature)
• Signing authority type
• Update references (e.g. Sparkle feed URLs embedded in the app's bundle)
• Your preferred language setting

This information is used solely to build and maintain the version catalogue. It comes from publicly accessible metadata within the application bundle.

Scan Statistics

After each scan, AppSteward sends anonymous aggregate statistics to our servers. This telemetry helps us understand usage and improve the service. It includes:

• Your anonymous install identifier
• Scan type (startup, full, or outdated-only)
• Date and time of the scan (UTC)
• Total number of apps processed
• Count of App Store apps and non-App Store apps
• Count of outdated and unknown-status apps
• Scan duration in milliseconds
• Your preferred language(s) — sent on the startup scan only

No list of specific app names or identifiers is included in scan statistics — only the aggregate counts above.

Feedback

If you choose to submit feedback through the App, the following is sent to our servers:

• Your anonymous install identifier
• The feedback category you selected (e.g. "Improvement idea", "Bug or problem")
• The message text you wrote

No personal information is included unless you choose to include it in the message text yourself.

What We Do Not Collect

AppSteward does not collect, transmit, or store:

• Your name, email address, or any other personal information
• Your Apple ID or account details
• Hardware identifiers (serial number, MAC address, etc.)
• Your IP address (beyond what is inherent to any HTTPS connection)
• Location data
• Any files, documents, or data from your apps beyond the metadata described above
• Usage analytics beyond the aggregate scan statistics described above

No Account Required

AppSteward does not require you to create an account or sign in. The anonymous install identifier is the only persistent identifier used by the App, and it cannot be linked to your identity.

Data Storage

Your anonymous install identifier is stored in your Mac's Keychain. Any preferences or settings you configure within AppSteward are stored locally on your device using standard macOS mechanisms. None of your local preferences leave your device.

Third-Party Services

AppSteward does not use third-party analytics services, advertising networks, or any other third-party data processors. All network requests are made directly to our own servers.

Children's Privacy

AppSteward does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone. Because no personal information is collected, the App is appropriate for use regardless of age.

Changes to This Policy

If we make material changes to this privacy policy, the updated policy will be posted at this URL with a revised "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this page periodically.

Contact

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or AppSteward's data practices, please contact us at: info@codesolve.uk