Privacy Policy
This policy describes how Prelude treats information when you use Prelude for iPhone. Read it alongside Apple’s own privacy materials for your device and Apple Intelligence.
Summary
At a glance
- Prelude for iPhone does not send your reflections, voice audio, transcripts, session briefs, or other session content to Prelude, Echo Vault, or any servers we operate. That content is processed and stored only on your device.
- We do not use the app to collect that information for our own use by transmitting it to us: the iOS app does not require a user account, does not sync your session data to our systems, does not include third-party analytics or advertising SDKs in the product design described in our public product requirements, and is designed so that no network calls occur during a reflection session for agent inference. You should verify behavior on the build you install.
- What “on your device” means: Voice input, speech-to-text, and AI-assisted responses use Apple’s on-device frameworks (for example Apple Intelligence / Foundation Models and Apple’s speech APIs) as implemented in the app. Your saved reflections are stored in local storage on your iPhone (SwiftData).
Apple may process certain data according to Apple’s privacy policies as part of the operating system and Apple Intelligence. That processing is separate from Prelude transmitting your session content to Echo Vault.
Introduction
Prelude is a voice-first reflection companion that helps you prepare for therapy by surfacing themes and generating a structured brief you can bring to a session. Prelude is not therapy, diagnosis, or medical advice.
What Prelude for iPhone does not do
- Does not require an account to use the app (for the shipped iOS product as specified).
- Does not upload session audio, transcripts, insights, or briefs to Prelude or Echo Vault servers.
- Does not sell your personal reflections or use them for advertising.
- Does not include in-app third-party analytics or crash reporters that send your reflection content (confirm for your installed build).
- Does not perform network activity during a session for agent inference (per product design).
If any of the above changes in a future version, we will update this policy before that version ships.
Prelude for iPhone — detail
Microphone and speech
The app uses the microphone and on-device speech recognition during reflection sessions. Audio and recognition are handled on your iPhone in line with Apple’s system permission text shown when you grant access.
On-device AI
The agent uses Apple Intelligence and Foundation Models on-device. There is no cloud LLM API for live session inference in the native app as specified in our product documentation.
Local storage
Sessions, insights, briefs, and related summaries are persisted with SwiftData on your device only. They are not backed up to Prelude- or Echo Vault-operated servers as part of normal app operation described here.
Deleting your data
You can erase app data from Settings inside Prelude (for example “clear all data”). Removing the app also removes local data from your device, subject to how iOS manages app storage.
Who we are
Prelude is offered by Echo Vault. For privacy questions about this policy, use the contact below. Consistent with the statements above, we do not receive your session content from the iOS app as described in this policy.
If you contact support
Email to ugo@echovault.me is voluntary. You may include information about your device or issue. That communication is separate from session data the app does not transmit to us as described above.
Prelude on the web
If you use Prelude through a web browser (for example at prelude.echovault.me), a different implementation may apply, including possible use of cloud services or third-party infrastructure. Practices for the web experience may differ from Prelude for iPhone. When in doubt, rely on this page for the iOS app and any separate notice provided for the web product.
Children
Prelude is not directed at children under 13 (or the age your jurisdiction requires). If you believe we have received information from a child inappropriately, contact us at the email below.
International users
Depending on where you live, you may have rights regarding personal information. Contact us if you wish to exercise those rights or have questions.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top reflects the latest revision. Continued use of the app after changes means you accept the updated policy.