Last updated: August 27, 2026
Aisle is an independent grocery-list app for iPhone, developed by Ian McLein ("I," "me," or "the developer"). This policy explains what data Aisle handles and how. The short version: Aisle has no servers of its own, no user accounts, and no tracking. Your lists are stored in your own iCloud and shared only with the people you choose.
Aisle does not operate any backend servers, does not have a database of its users, and does not collect analytics or advertising data. There is no "Aisle account." Your identity within the app is simply your Apple ID / iCloud account on your device. Because of this, I — the developer — do not have access to your grocery lists, your contacts, or any personal information you enter into the app.
The information you create in Aisle — list names, items, quantities, notes, categories/aisles, stores, and family-member labels — is stored locally on your device and synced through Apple's iCloud (CloudKit) using your personal iCloud account. This content is held in Apple's iCloud infrastructure under your Apple ID, governed by Apple's Privacy Policy and iCloud terms. It is not sent to me or to any third party.
When you share a household with another person, Aisle uses Apple's CloudKit sharing (CKShare) to give the people you invite access to the shared lists. To send an invitation, Aisle asks Apple's CloudKit to look up whether the email address you enter is associated with an iCloud account. That lookup happens between your device and Apple; the developer never receives it. Anyone you share with can see and edit the shared lists. You can remove participants at any time from the app's settings, which revokes their access without deleting data.
Aisle checks whether iCloud is available on your device so it can tell you when syncing isn't possible (for example, if you're signed out of iCloud). This is a local status check and is not recorded or transmitted anywhere by the developer.
Some optional features may ask for a device permission when you first use them. For example, voice-based item entry, if used, requires access to the microphone and speech recognition; speech you dictate may be processed by Apple's speech-recognition services to convert it to text, per Apple's policies. Adding a photo to an item, if used, requires access to the camera, or you can pick an existing photo from your library; item photos you attach are stored with your list in your own iCloud and are never sent to the developer. Aisle only requests a permission at the moment you use the feature that needs it, and you can decline or later change any permission in the iPhone's Settings app. The developer does not receive audio, transcripts, photos, or any related data.
Your data is stored on your device and in your iCloud via Apple's CloudKit, and is protected by the security of your Apple ID and device (such as your passcode, Face ID/Touch ID, and Apple's encryption of iCloud data). Because the developer holds no copy of your data, the security of your list content depends on your Apple ID and the protections Apple provides for iCloud. I recommend using a strong Apple ID password and enabling two-factor authentication.
Since your data lives in your own iCloud rather than on a developer server, you control its lifetime. You can delete individual lists and items within the app, use the privacy/data-deletion option in the app's Settings, and remove the app from your device. Deleting your own copy does not delete copies held by other members of a household you shared with — each participant controls their own copy. To fully remove shared data, all participants would need to delete it.
Aisle is a general-audience utility and is not directed at children. It does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone, including children, because it collects no personal information at all.
Aisle relies on Apple's iCloud and CloudKit to store and sync your data and to enable sharing. Your use of those services is subject to Apple's terms and privacy policy. Aisle does not integrate any other third-party analytics, advertising, or data-collection services.
Aisle includes a food database with dietary tags (for example, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegetarian, and Vegan). This information was compiled from third‑party sources, including USDA FoodData Central, Open Food Facts, and the Celiac Disease Foundation. Aisle does not control these sources and makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the dietary information used to seed the database.
The dietary badges shown in the app are informational indicators only and are not medical or nutritional advice. Where dietary information is unavailable for an item, it may be shown as non‑compliant by default; you can override this within the app. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Aisle and its developer accept no liability for reliance on this dietary information. Always read product labels and packaging, and consult a physician or qualified dietitian regarding any dietary restriction, allergy, or health condition.
If Aisle's data practices change — for example, if a future version adds a feature that handles data differently — this policy will be updated and the "Last updated" date above will change. Material changes will be reflected here before or when the relevant feature ships.
If you have any questions about this policy or how Aisle handles data, email me at info@aisle-grocery.com. This app is developed and maintained by Ian McLein.