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I would like to find out, prior to installation, what permissions an iOS app will ask for.

I understand that granting these permissions is up to me and that no permissions are granted automatically. However, my decision to install an app at all is very much influenced by how over-reaching the permission requests are going to be.

So, without actually installing the iOS app, how can I look up the app and see what permissions it will ask to use ?

I believe the google play store allows you to check this on the play store itself, prior to downloading - how can I do this in the app store ?

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The iOS App Store does not display the permissions the app will request. You can view certain info about an app prior to downloading:

  • Seller
  • Size
  • Category
  • Compatibility
  • Languages
  • Age Rating
  • In-App Purchases
  • Copyright
  • Developer Website (link)
  • Privacy Policy (link)

Unless the developer indicates the required permissions in their app description, Privacy Policy or Website, you will not know until the app requests that permission.

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    That is surprising and disappointing. Can I really not download the actual app file itself and open/inspect it in xcode and get some idea of what it does ? Or do we really need a third party review mechanism where people actually install and use the apps and publicize (potential) permission abuses ?
    – user227963
    Commented Apr 19, 2020 at 19:51
  • No, you can't download the app file from the iOS App Store. It's installed automatically when it's downloaded.
    – fsb
    Commented Apr 25, 2020 at 2:48

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