App Store guideline 5.1.5: Location Services
Apps should use Location Services only where location genuinely matters to what the app offers. Unofficial explanation, not affiliated with Apple. Apple's text prevails.
- Guideline
- 5.1.5 Location Services
- Section
- 5. Legal
- This page
- Unofficial explanation, not affiliated with Apple. Apple's text prevails.
- Version
- Guidelines last updated October 16, 2026
- Official source
- Apple's App Review Guidelines
What it means
- Location APIs are not to provide emergency services or autonomous control of vehicles, aircraft or other devices, except for small devices like lightweight drones and toys, and remote control car alarms.
- Apps are to tell users and get consent before collecting, sending or using location data, and to explain the purpose in the app.
Related guidelines
Apple's text
This page is an unofficial explanation in our own words. Unofficial explanation, not affiliated with Apple. Apple's text prevails. Apple's wording is on its page, linked below.
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