Privacy policy
Last updated: October 31, 2026
The short version
Once Upon an Ear plays audiobook files that are already on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Your books, your listening, and everything you write in the app stay on your device. There is no account, no server, no advertising, and no tracking.
What the app handles
The app handles the audio files you choose to add, the covers and chapter names found inside them, your place in each book, your bookmarks and the notes you write on them, your playback speed for each book, your smart rewind setting, and how long you listen each day and for each book (used for the listening stats). If you turn on silence shortening, the app also keeps a list of where the quiet parts of each book are.
How it is handled
Everything is read and played on your device, using Apple's built-in audio tools. To shorten silences, the app listens through your books on the device and keeps a list of where the quiet parts are; the sound itself is not kept or sent anywhere. The app does not send your books, your listening, or anything else anywhere. It makes no network requests. It contains no analytics, no advertising, and no third-party code.
Where it is stored
When you add a book, the app keeps a copy in its own private storage on your device, so it still plays when the original is gone. Your place, bookmarks, and settings are saved there too, so they are still there the next time you open the app. iOS file protection keeps them encrypted whenever your device is locked. Nothing is stored anywhere else. The files you added from are never changed or deleted.
Files from other apps
When you add files from the Files app, from AirDrop, or with the Share button in another app, the app sees only the files you choose or send. It does not browse your other files.
Sharing
The app shares nothing on its own. It has no sharing features.
Apple
Apple runs the App Store and TestFlight, and collects its own information, such as downloads, under Apple's privacy policy. The app does not give the developer access to your books or anything you write.
Deleting your information
Swipe a book away in the library to remove its copy, your place, and its bookmarks from your device. Your record of how long you listened is kept when you remove a book, so your totals stay true; you can erase that record at any time from the listening stats screen. Deleting the app removes everything.
Children
The app is not directed at children under 13, and it collects no information from anyone.
Changes to this policy
If the app changes in a way that affects your privacy, this page will say so before the change reaches you, and the date at the top will change.
Contact
Questions about this policy: support@onceuponanear.audio.