Apple Logs Every App Store Interaction to Power New Personalized Collections
*Security researchers say the feature relies on detailed tap-level analytics that Apple had not previously disclosed in full.*
The announcement and the discovery
Apple rolled out Personalized Collections last week. The feature surfaces custom app and game suggestions on the Apps, Games, and Search tabs and updates them according to each user’s behavior.
Two researchers who examined the traffic found that the recommendations depend on an unusually broad set of identifiers and interaction records. Every tap, scroll, and download is logged and tied to the user’s account.
How the data is collected
The researchers published screenshots showing fields that record the exact time of each action, the precise screen location tapped, and the sequence of views leading to a download. The data also includes device identifiers that remain consistent across sessions.
Apple described the collection as necessary to “deliver relevant recommendations” and to help developers gain visibility. The company did not state how long the records are retained or whether they are used for purposes beyond recommendations.
Researcher reaction
The findings were shared on X by the Mysk account, which has previously documented App Store analytics. The post noted that the level of identifiable detail exceeds what most users would expect from a discovery feature.
No other public statements from Apple or from additional researchers have appeared so far.
Why it matters
Users who want tailored suggestions must accept that Apple now records a granular history of every App Store session. The same data stream that improves recommendations also creates a persistent behavioral profile that the company can reference for years. Until Apple publishes retention limits or an opt-out, the trade-off remains one-sided.
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