Privacy Policy
QuickTimeLapse
Effective date：2026-06-04 · Last updated：2026-06-04
Short version: the app itself does not collect, store, or transmit your videos or any personal content. The long version is below.
Who we are
QuickTimeLapse is an iOS app developed and operated by LazzyMerlin (the “developer”, “we”, “us”). For privacy-related questions or requests, contact: lazzymerlin@gmail.com.
What we collect
The app itself
QuickTimeLapse does not collect, store, or transmit any of the following:
- Your videos or photos
- Your name, email, phone number, or any account information
- Your location
- Any personally identifiable information
All video processing happens on your device. Your source videos and the resulting timelapse files never leave your iPhone unless you choose to share them.
Third-party services
QuickTimeLapse uses the following third-party services, each governed by its own privacy policy:
1. Google AdMob (advertising)
For users on the free tier, we display interstitial ads provided by Google AdMob. AdMob may collect:
- Device identifiers (including IDFA / Advertising Identifier, only if you grant App Tracking Transparency consent)
- IP address
- General usage signals required to serve ads (e.g., ad impressions, clicks)
iOS will show you an App Tracking Transparency (ATT) prompt. If you decline, AdMob will only show non-personalized ads using anonymous, contextual signals.
Google AdMob privacy policy: policies.google.com/technologies/ads
2. Apple StoreKit (in-app purchase)
If you purchase “Remove Ads”, the transaction is processed by Apple via StoreKit 2. We do not receive or store your payment information. Apple may share an anonymized transaction receipt with the app for purchase verification.
Apple privacy policy: apple.com/legal/privacy
3. Apple Crash Reporting (opt-in, system-level)
If you have enabled crash reporting in iOS Settings → Privacy → Analytics & Improvements → Share with App Developers, Apple may share anonymized crash logs with us. We use these only to diagnose crashes and improve the app. This is opt-in at the iOS level — we cannot enable it without your consent.
4. Google Forms (bug reports, optional)
If you tap Settings → Report a Problem and submit the form, the following diagnostic fields are auto-filled and sent:
- App version
- iOS version
- Device model
- Locale (e.g., zh-TW, en-US)
- Timezone
- Last error message (if any)
…in addition to any text you choose to write in the description field. Submission is entirely voluntary; you may edit or remove any pre-filled field before sending.
The form is hosted on Google Forms and is subject to Google's privacy policy: policies.google.com/privacy
Permissions the app requests
| Permission | When | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Photos write | When you save a timelapse | To save the output video to your photo library |
| Photo selection (via PHPicker) | When you tap “Pick videos” | Lets you pick specific videos without granting full photo library access |
| App Tracking Transparency | First app launch | To ask whether AdMob may use IDFA for personalized ads |
We do not request:
- Full Photos library read access
- Microphone, camera, location, contacts, Bluetooth, or any other sensitive permission
Data retention
- The app stores no personal data itself.
- AdMob retains data per Google's data retention policy.
- Google Forms submissions are retained in our Google account for product improvement; you may email us to request deletion of any submission you sent.
Your rights
Depending on where you live (e.g., EU/EEA under GDPR, California under CCPA), you may have rights to access, correct, or delete data we hold about you. Since the app itself collects no personal data, requests typically only apply to optional bug report submissions you sent via Google Forms. To exercise your rights, email lazzymerlin@gmail.com.
Children's privacy
QuickTimeLapse is rated 4+ in the App Store and is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. If you believe a child has submitted personal data via the bug report form, please contact us to have it removed.
International users
The app is distributed globally via the App Store. Third-party services (Google AdMob, Google Forms, Apple) may process data in the United States or other jurisdictions. By using the app, you understand that data handled by these third parties may be transferred to and processed in those countries under their respective privacy policies.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy as the app evolves. The “Last updated” date at the top will reflect any changes. Material changes will also be noted in the app's release notes.
Contact
Questions, concerns, or deletion requests: lazzymerlin@gmail.com