APRSpot is a native iOS client for APRS, an amateur-radio position-reporting network. In short: no account, no ads, no analytics, and no third-party tracking.
Developer: Răzvan Zeceș · [email protected]What the app does with your data
Location
- When you enable beaconing, APRSpot reads your device location (GPS) and transmits your position to the public APRS-IS amateur-radio network, where it appears on services such as aprs.fi and in other APRS clients.
- This is the core, user-initiated function of the app. APRS is a public broadcast network — a position you beacon (together with your amateur callsign) is public information.
- Background location is used only when you explicitly enable “Background beaconing,” so the app can keep beaconing while you travel with the screen off. The system location indicator is always shown while this is active.
- You control whether and how precisely your position is shared, including a position-ambiguity option that reduces precision.
- The Apple Watch companion can beacon and receive on its own connection, independently of your iPhone — the same public APRS-IS data flow applies, and it uses location only when you enable beaconing on the watch.
- If you beacon while offline, unsent beacons are queued on your device (“Smart Cache”) and transmitted automatically when connectivity returns; they are never stored anywhere but your own device.
Callsign and messages
- Your amateur callsign is entered by you and transmitted with your beacons and messages (a requirement of the APRS network). Callsigns are public identifiers of licensed operators.
- APRS text messages you send are transmitted over APRS-IS; messages addressed to you are received and shown in the app.
- Settings and recent activity are stored locally on your device only.
What we do not do
- We do not collect analytics or usage data.
- We do not use advertising or third-party tracking SDKs.
- We do not require an account or sign-in.
- We do not sell or share your data. Your position and messages go only to the APRS-IS network you choose to connect to, by your action, as part of using APRS.
Demo mode
Demo mode is fully local and simulated. In demo mode the app does not access the network or transmit anything.
Third parties
When you beacon, your position and callsign are sent to the APRS-IS network you choose to connect to (servers operated by the APRS community). APRS-IS is a public broadcast network — by its nature, the data you send is public. We use no third-party SDKs and do not share your data with advertisers, analytics providers, or data brokers.
The only network request the app makes outside APRS-IS is a version check to Apple's App Store, to let you know when an update is available. It sends only the app's public identifier — never your location, callsign, or messages.
Your choices and control
- Stop sharing at any time by turning off beaconing in the app, or by revoking location access in iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → APRSpot. No location is sent unless you choose to beacon.
- Reduce precision with the position-ambiguity option, and turn off course/speed and altitude in settings.
- Disable the Dynamic Island activity and notifications in settings.
Data retention and deletion
All app data (settings, message history, blocked stations, and any queued beacons) lives only on your device. To delete it, remove the app — this erases all locally stored data.
Positions and messages you have already broadcast to the public APRS-IS network are public and archival by the nature of APRS (services such as aprs.fi may retain them); APRSpot does not operate those services and cannot recall data already broadcast. To request deletion of data held by such a service, contact that service directly.
Children
APRS requires an amateur-radio licence to transmit and is not directed at children.
Changes
We may update this policy; the “last updated” date will change accordingly.
Contact
Questions about this policy: [email protected].
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