Privacy Policy

Last updated: June 2026

Bonsai Pal (“the app”) is a bonsai care journal for iPhone, published by Horsmann Network (“we”, “us”). This policy explains what information is used when you use the app and how it is handled.

Summary

• Your tree data and photos stay on your device and in your iCloud account when sync is available.
• We do not run our own servers for your journal content and cannot read your trees or photos.
• We do not sell your personal information.
• The free tier shows non-personalized ads via Google AdMob. We do not ask for App Tracking Transparency.
• We do not collect precise location. Growing-season logic uses your device region/settings, not GPS.

Information you create

The app stores information you enter, including:

• Tree profiles (name, species, age, dates, schedules)
• Care logs (watering, fertilizing, pruning, repotting, notes)
• Photos you add to a tree’s timeline or cover image
• App preferences (appearance, reminder time, hemisphere override, saved fertilizers)

This data is stored locally on your iPhone using Apple’s SwiftData. If you are signed into iCloud and sync is available, it may also sync to your private iCloud account through Apple CloudKit. Sync is handled by Apple; we do not receive a copy of your synced data.

Photos

You choose photos through Apple’s system photo picker. Selected images are saved in the app’s data store on your device (and in your iCloud container when sync is enabled). We do not upload your photos to our own servers.

Accounts

No separate Bonsai Pal account is required. Optional iCloud sign-in is used only so your data can sync across your devices. Purchases are tied to your Apple ID through the App Store.

iCloud & background sync

When iCloud is enabled, Apple may deliver silent background updates so your devices stay in sync. This uses Apple’s infrastructure and is subject to Apple’s Privacy Policy.

Notifications

If you enable watering or fertilizing reminders, the app schedules local notifications on your device. Reminder content is computed on your device. We do not receive notification data on our servers.

Advertising (free tier)

Users without Bonsai Pal Pro may see banner advertisements served by Google AdMob on some screens. We configure requests for non-personalized ads (npa=1) and do not show Apple’s App Tracking Transparency prompt.

Google may still collect device and interaction data (such as device identifiers and ad performance) as described in the Google Privacy Policy and How Google uses data when you use our partners’ sites or apps. Pro unlock removes banner ads in the app.

In-app purchases

Pro is a one-time non-consumable purchase processed by Apple. We do not receive your payment card details. Apple provides purchase status so the app can unlock Pro features on your device.

Analytics

The current version of Bonsai Pal does not include third-party analytics SDKs. We do not send your tree names, photos, or care notes to an analytics service.

What we do not collect

• Precise geolocation / GPS
• Contacts, calendars, or microphone data
• A separate email or password for Bonsai Pal
• Cross-app tracking via Apple’s tracking permission (we do not request it)

Data retention & deletion

Your data remains on your device and in your iCloud account until you delete it. You can delete individual trees, care logs, and photos inside the app. Deleting the app removes local data from that device. To remove iCloud data, delete the data in the app and/or manage iCloud storage in iPhone Settings.

Children

The app is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Changes

We may update this policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top will change when we do. Continued use of the app after an update means you accept the revised policy.

Contact

Questions about this policy: contact@bonsaipal.com