Data stored on your device
Practice history, saved outcomes, review schedules, selected collections, favorites, personal profile text and photo, and app preferences are stored locally using Apple’s on-device data frameworks.
Optional private progress sync
You can enable verse-progress sync in Settings. When enabled, a limited progress record is stored in your private iCloud database through Apple CloudKit. It includes supported passage progress and scheduling fields needed to keep devices in step. It does not include Scripture audio, history summaries, collections, favorites, profile photos, or group membership. The feature is off by default.
Optional groups
If you create or join a group, Hold the Word uses CloudKit to share the group name and code, your group display name, and the practice summary described in the app with people who use that code. Weekly comparison totals are off until you review and enable sharing. Comparison cards do not rank members and do not create a combined score. Leaving a group removes your member snapshot, but the group and your personal progress remain.
Speech and microphone
Voice test uses Apple speech recognition on your device. The app does not save your audio. Transcribed text is used to check your recall and may be stored as part of a practice result. Apple speech setup may download language assets to your device.
Photos, notifications, and contacts
Profile photos are selected by you and remain local. Notifications are optional. The app does not read your contacts, location, advertising identifier, or third-party tracking data.
Analytics and advertising
Hold the Word contains no advertising, third-party analytics, or cross-app tracking. The developer does not operate a separate account system or collect a server-side copy of your personal practice data.
Service providers
Apple provides iCloud, CloudKit, speech recognition, and app distribution under Apple’s terms and privacy policy. This website is hosted through OpenAI’s Sites service.
Data control
You can remove progress on the device from Settings. You can disable sync and leave groups in the app. Data already retained in iCloud is governed by Apple’s account and CloudKit controls.
Children
Hold the Word is designed for a general audience and does not knowingly collect personal information from children.
Changes and contact
Material changes will be reflected on this page with a new effective date. Questions can be sent to [email protected].