This Privacy Policy explains how ShelfPod, an iOS app developed by Ruizhi Wu, handles information when you use it. ShelfPod is an independent client for podcasts and audiobooks stored on an Audiobookshelf server that you choose. ShelfPod does not operate that server, host your media, or sell personal information.
Information ShelfPod Handles
Depending on the features you use, ShelfPod may handle the following information:
- Server and account details: the server address you enter, the username and user ID returned by that server, selected libraries, permissions, server version, and related account settings.
- Credentials: authentication tokens and, where needed for account recovery or re-login, the password you provide. These credentials are stored in the iOS Keychain and are used to connect to the Audiobookshelf server you selected.
- Library and playback data: podcast and audiobook metadata, cover art, chapters, playback position, listening history, queues, bookmarks, download state, cached files, and app preferences.
- Session and device details: information such as a ShelfPod device identifier (not an advertising identifier), device name, device model, operating system, app version, and playback session state may be sent to your Audiobookshelf server when that server's playback features require it.
- Purchase status: product and entitlement information returned by Apple's StoreKit so ShelfPod can provide features you purchased.
How ShelfPod Uses Information
ShelfPod uses this information to sign in to your selected server, show your podcast and audiobook libraries, stream or download audio, play downloaded files offline, save and restore playback, synchronize progress where supported, manage queues and bookmarks, apply your preferences, and determine whether paid features are available.
Where Information Is Stored
Most ShelfPod data is stored on your device using iOS storage such as SwiftData, local files, caches, and UserDefaults. Authentication credentials are stored in the iOS Keychain. Downloaded audio and artwork remain on the device until you remove them or delete the app.
ShelfPod does not maintain a ShelfPod-operated account or media server. Data that is written to your Audiobookshelf server is controlled by that server's owner or administrator, including its retention, backups, access controls, and security.
Communication With Your Audiobookshelf Server
ShelfPod connects directly to the server address you provide. The server may be on your local network, behind a VPN or reverse proxy, or on the public internet. Requests can include the credentials, library information, playback updates, bookmarks, and device/session details needed for the feature you are using. The server operator's privacy practices apply to data stored on that server.
If your server is on your local network, iOS may ask for Local Network access. ShelfPod uses that permission to reach the server address you selected.
If you use an unencrypted HTTP address, the connection may not be protected in transit. Use HTTPS or a network you trust whenever possible.
Other Services and Destinations
- Apple and StoreKit: Apple processes purchases, billing, taxes, refunds, and subscription management. ShelfPod receives purchase and entitlement results, but does not receive or store your full payment card number. Apple handles this information under its own terms and privacy policy.
- iCloud and CloudKit: When iCloud-backed features are available and enabled, ShelfPod can use your private iCloud database for cross-device playback coordination and listening achievements. CloudKit records may contain account or library scope identifiers (including hashed forms), playback coordination state, device identifiers, and achievement statistics. ShelfPod does not put your Audiobookshelf password or media files in CloudKit. Apple may deliver background notifications so ShelfPod can refresh this state. Apple handles iCloud data under its own terms and privacy policy.
- Media and feed hosts: To load audio, artwork, RSS feeds, or chapter information, ShelfPod may request URLs supplied by your server or by the content provider. Those hosts may receive normal network information, such as your IP address and request headers, under their own policies.
- Support: If you email support or open a GitHub issue, the developer receives the information you choose to include and uses it to answer your request, investigate a report, and maintain the project. Do not send passwords, access tokens, refresh tokens, or other secrets.
Advertising, Tracking, and Analytics
As of the effective date, ShelfPod does not include advertising SDKs, cross-app tracking, or a third-party analytics or crash-reporting service. Apple may separately provide aggregated App Store sales, usage, or diagnostics information according to your Apple settings and Apple's policies.
Sharing and Legal Requests
ShelfPod does not sell your personal information or share it for cross-context behavioral advertising. Information is sent to the destinations described above only as needed for the feature you request, when you choose to contact support, or when disclosure is required by law, court order, or a valid legal process.
Your Choices and Deletion
You can remove local ShelfPod data by signing out, removing an account or library in the app where available, deleting downloads, clearing app data through the app's controls, or deleting ShelfPod from your device. Data stored on your Audiobookshelf server must be deleted or managed there. Apple controls purchase records and subscription data. iCloud data can be managed through the iCloud features and settings Apple makes available for your account; contact Support if you need help identifying ShelfPod data.
If you contact the developer, you may ask about the support information you sent. Requests about data held by an Audiobookshelf operator or Apple must be directed to that operator or Apple.
Children's Privacy
ShelfPod is not directed to children and does not knowingly collect personal information from children through a ShelfPod-operated service. Server owners and administrators are responsible for accounts and content made available through their servers.
Changes to This Policy
This policy may be updated when ShelfPod's data practices or legal requirements change. The new effective date will be shown on this page. For privacy questions, contact az.convict@hotmail.com or use Support.