WatchBuddy Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 1, 2026

Overview

WatchBuddy is a voice assistant app for Apple Watch. Your privacy matters to us, so we designed the app to minimize the data it handles. This policy explains exactly what data leaves your device, how it is collected, where it goes, and who receives it.

What Data We Collect and How

WatchBuddy collects the following data during normal use:

Data How Collected Purpose Sent To
Voice audio recording Captured via the Apple Watch microphone when you tap the record button Converted to text (speech-to-text) Your configured speech server, or a third-party AI provider in Server AI mode
Transcribed text Returned from the speech-to-text server Sent to an AI service to generate a conversational response One of: Google Gemini (Google LLC), OpenAI (OpenAI, Inc.), or Anthropic (Anthropic, PBC)
AI response text Returned from the AI service Converted to spoken audio (text-to-speech) Your configured speech server
API key / access key Entered by you in Settings Authenticate with the AI provider or speech server The AI provider you selected (BYOK mode) or your speech server (Server AI mode)

What We Do NOT Collect

Third-Party Data Sharing

WatchBuddy shares your data with the following third-party services depending on your configuration. The app asks for your explicit consent before any data is shared.

Speech Processing Server

You configure a speech server URL in Settings. This server receives:

The server processes data in real time. WatchBuddy does not control third-party servers you configure.

AI Providers

Depending on your settings, your transcribed text is sent to one of the following third-party AI providers to generate a response:

Each provider processes data according to their own privacy policy, which provides the same or equivalent protection of your data. We encourage you to review the policy for the provider you choose.

Server AI Mode

When "Use Server's AI" is enabled, your voice recording and access key are sent to the server you configure. The server handles all AI processing on its side. No data is sent directly from your watch to any AI provider in this mode.

Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) Mode

When "Use Server's AI" is disabled:

User Consent

WatchBuddy displays a detailed privacy disclosure screen on first launch that describes what data is shared and with whom. You must explicitly agree before the app will send any data. You can review this privacy policy at any time from the Settings screen within the app.

Data Storage

All settings (server URL and AI provider preference) are stored locally on your device using standard watchOS storage. Your API key is stored in the Apple Keychain, which is encrypted and protected by the operating system. No data is stored on external servers by the app.

Children's Privacy

WatchBuddy does not knowingly collect information from children under 13.

Changes to This Policy

If we update this policy, the new version will be posted on this page with a revised date.

Contact

If you have questions about this privacy policy, contact us at support@tiltastech.com or open an issue on our GitHub repository.