Fernote

Privacy Policy

1. Scope

This Privacy Policy explains how Fernote: Plant ID & Care (the “App”), operated by Zhixiang Geng (耿志向), handles information when you use the App. The App does not require an account, and we do not operate servers that store your content.

2. Information stored on your device

The App stores the plants you add to My Garden, their photos, nicknames, locations in your home, care schedules, reminder settings, and identification history locally on your device. This information is used to provide plant care features. If you turn on iCloud sync, this information is stored in your private iCloud database through Apple’s CloudKit, which we cannot access.

3. Camera and photos

The App asks for camera access so you can photograph a plant, and photo-library access only when you choose a photo to identify. Photos are used to identify the plant and to show it in your garden. The App does not upload your photos to servers operated by us.

4. Plant identification with Apple Intelligence

Plant identification and plant-health suggestions are generated with Apple’s Foundation Models framework. When possible, the analysis runs on your device. When the on-device model is unavailable or a request needs more capability, the photo and the related request may be sent to Apple’s Private Cloud Compute to produce the result. Apple states that Private Cloud Compute uses your data only to fulfill the request and does not store it. Learn more in Apple’s Private Cloud Compute overview.

Identification results and care suggestions are generated automatically, may be inaccurate, and are provided for general information only. Do not rely on the App to decide whether a plant is safe to eat, touch, or keep around children or pets.

5. Notifications

Watering and care reminders are scheduled as local notifications on your device. You can turn them off in the App or in iOS Settings.

6. Information we do not request

The App does not ask you to provide your name, email address, phone number, contacts, or precise location, and it does not require login credentials. The App does not display advertising. If you contact support voluntarily, we receive the information you include in your message so that we can respond.

7. Analytics and crash reporting

The App uses Firebase Analytics to understand basic app usage and Firebase Crashlytics to diagnose crashes and improve stability. These services may process app interactions (for example, which screen or feature was opened), app and device information, operating-system information, diagnostics, crash stack traces, and Firebase or Crashlytics installation identifiers.

The App uses the Firebase Analytics package that does not include IDFA collection capability, and the App does not track you across apps or websites owned by other companies. Plant photos and garden contents are not sent to Firebase. We do not send Firebase your name, email address, or a developer-defined user ID. Learn more in Privacy and Security in Firebase.

8. Purchases

Subscriptions and purchases are processed by Apple through your Apple Account. We do not receive your payment card details. The App receives transaction information from Apple, such as which plan is active and when it renews or expires, so that it can unlock paid features. Apple’s handling of payment information is described in the Apple Privacy Policy.

9. Retention and deletion

Information stored on your device remains there until you delete it in the App or delete the App. Data synced to iCloud can be removed in iOS Settings → [your name] → iCloud. Support correspondence is kept only as long as reasonably necessary to handle your request. Firebase retains analytics and crash data according to its own settings and policies.

10. International processing

Apple, Google (Firebase), and their service providers may process information in countries other than the one where you live, under the safeguards described in their own privacy policies.

11. Children’s privacy

The App is intended for a general audience and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has sent us personal information, contact us so we can delete it.

12. Your rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, or delete personal information. Because your content is stored on your device or in your own iCloud, you can view and delete it directly. For other requests, contact us at the address below.

13. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy when the App, the services it uses, or legal requirements change. The updated version will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

14. Contact

For privacy questions or requests, contact:

Zhixiang Geng (耿志向)
gengzhixiang1992@gmail.com