Local Transcribe - Privacy Policy

Last updated: 6 November 2026

Local Transcribe converts speech to text on iPhone, iPad and Mac. This policy explains how recordings, transcripts, supporting documents, questions, purchases and device permissions are handled.

Local processing and data not collected

Nothing you process is transmitted by the app. Local Transcribe does not upload or send your recordings, speech, transcripts, timestamps, documents, images, questions or generated answers to the developer or to third parties. The app has no in-app analytics, advertising or tracking and does not collect these data categories. On Mac, the application and its local processing components do not have network access. Separate Apple operating-system and App Store services are described below.

Audio and speech: Live speech conversion uses the microphone you select. Optional system-audio capture on Mac is used only if you turn it on and explicitly grant the required macOS permission. Speech recognition processes audio on your device, not on a remote service. You can also import a supported recording or receive an audio file shared from another app.

Transcripts: Text, timestamps and session details are saved locally in the app's storage. You can open, search, export and delete saved transcripts. When you delete app-managed content, copies you previously exported, shared, saved elsewhere or retained in device backups may remain subject to the settings of those services.

Documents and Ask (Mac only): Documents and supported images you choose to attach are processed locally. Questions and answers are generated on your Mac by on-device models, without sending this content to online AI services. AI-generated answers can be inaccurate; verify important claims against their references.

Optional saved meeting audio (Mac): If you choose to save meeting audio, you select the destination. The saved file remains under your control, including any backup or synchronization settings for that destination.

Accounts, analytics, advertising and tracking

The app does not require an account or sign-in and does not include developer analytics, advertising SDKs or tracking. It does not collect usage analytics or transmit personal content to the developer. No conversation content is sold, used for advertising or used to track you. The App Store's “Data Not Collected” statement refers to the app's data collection, not to separate activity of Apple's operating-system and App Store services.

Subscriptions and payments

Local Transcribe is free to download. New transcription and processing functionality requires an active subscription or an eligible free trial that you explicitly start. Apple manages and processes subscription purchases, billing and payments through In-App Purchase. The app receives only the subscription entitlement status on your device (for example, whether access is active); it does not receive or store your payment-card details. A subscription provides access to supported features across iPhone, iPad and Mac under the Apple Account used for the purchase, subject to device-specific features.

If your subscription or trial ends, you can still open, read, export and delete transcripts you previously saved, without starting new transcription or AI processing.

Apple services and optional model downloads

Whisper small is bundled with the app, allowing core speech transcription to work offline from the first launch once subscription access is available. Larger multilingual models are optional downloads provided through Apple-hosted distribution or operating-system services. App installation, updates, App Store purchases, subscription verification and system diagnostics may involve Apple's services and network connections; they are distinct from Local Transcribe uploading your content. Apple's privacy practices govern those services. If you choose to share crash reports or diagnostics through Apple, Apple may make some of those reports available to the developer.

Permissions and your control

• Microphone: Used only for live transcription after you grant permission.
• Screen and system audio on Mac (optional): Requested only when you explicitly enable a feature requiring them, and subject to the macOS permission prompt. Those permissions do not cause your captured content to be uploaded.
• Files: The app accesses only recordings or documents you select or share into the app. Files leave the app through export or sharing only when you direct it to do so.

Obtain any legally required consent before recording or converting other people's speech into text. Applicable laws and workplace or meeting-platform policies may apply.

Storage and deletion

Local Transcribe stores app-managed recordings and transcripts locally. Check your device's backup and synchronization settings and any exported copies before relying on specific deletion or retention behavior. Deleting the app may remove local data depending on operating-system behavior and backups.

Children

Local Transcribe is not directed to children and does not require a child's profile or account.

Policy updates

This policy may be updated if the product or legal requirements change. The date above identifies the most recent published update.

Contact

Privacy questions: support.transcribe4me@gmail.com.