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Apple requires explicit consent before processing user data with AI Apps that send user data to AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, custom models, etc.) must get explicit user consent before processing. This is a newer Apple requirement that catches many developers off guard. Common rejection messages:
  • “Your app does not obtain user consent before processing data with AI”
  • “The app sends user content to AI services without clear disclosure”
  • “Users must be informed and consent to AI processing of their data”
These rejections require implementing a consent flow before resubmission.

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Why this happens

AI processing is a privacy-sensitive operation Apple treats sending user data to AI services as a significant privacy event. Users must understand and agree to this before it happens. Common mistakes:
  • Sending user input to AI APIs without any consent prompt
  • Burying AI disclosure in terms of service
  • No clear indication that AI is processing user data
  • Consent obtained on web but not persisted in native app

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How to fix it

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Use native confirm dialogs

Despia intercepts JavaScript confirm() and shows native iOS UI When your app runs on iOS, Despia automatically converts JavaScript confirm() dialogs into native system dialogs with the liquid glass design. The confirm events work exactly like standard JavaScript. 
// This shows a native iOS dialog on iPhone/iPad
const userConsented = confirm(
  'This app uses AI to process your input. Your data will be sent to our AI service for analysis. Do you agree to AI processing?'
);

if (userConsented) {
  // User tapped "OK" - proceed with AI
  processWithAI(userInput);
} else {
  // User tapped "Cancel" - don't use AI
  showAlternativeFlow();
}
On iOS devices, this displays Apple’s native confirmation dialog. On Android and web, it shows the standard confirm dialog. Important: confirm() blocks all JavaScript and CSS execution while the dialog is open. Call it after animations complete to avoid UI stutter. Don’t trigger it during page transitions, loading states, or while animations are running. 
// Wrong - may cause stutter
pageTransition.start();
const consent = confirm('Do you agree?'); // Blocks during animation

// Right - wait for animations to complete
await pageTransition.finished;
const consent = confirm('Do you agree?'); // Clean UI state
Store consent across sessions and reinstalls Don’t ask users every time. Use the Storage Vault to remember their choice. Consent persists even if the user uninstalls and reinstalls the app. 
import despia from 'despia-native';

async function checkAIConsent() {
  const userAgent = navigator.userAgent.toLowerCase();
  const isAppleDevice = userAgent.includes('despia-iphone') || userAgent.includes('despia-ipad');
  
  if (!isAppleDevice) {
    // Not iOS - handle consent differently or skip
    return true;
  }
  
  // Check if user already consented
  try {
    const data = await despia('readvault://?key=aiConsent', ['aiConsent']);
    
    if (data.aiConsent === 'true') {
      // Already consented in a previous session
      return true;
    }
  } catch (error) {
    // No consent stored yet - first time
  }
  
  // Show native consent dialog
  const userConsented = confirm(
    'This app uses AI to process your input. Your data will be sent to our AI service for analysis. Do you agree to AI processing?'
  );
  
  if (userConsented) {
    // Store consent permanently
    await despia('setvault://?key=aiConsent&value=true&locked=false');
    return true;
  }
  
  return false;
}
See: Storage Vault

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Implement before any AI call

Gate all AI features behind consent check Call the consent check before any AI processing. This ensures users always consent before their data is sent to AI services. 
import despia from 'despia-native';

// Wrap your AI function
async function askAI(userInput) {
  const hasConsent = await checkAIConsent();
  
  if (!hasConsent) {
    // User declined - show message or alternative
    alert('AI features are disabled. You can enable them in Settings.');
    return null;
  }
  
  // User consented - proceed with AI call
  const response = await fetch('/api/ai', {
    method: 'POST',
    headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
    body: JSON.stringify({ input: userInput })
  });
  
  return response.json();
}

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Allow users to change their mind

Add a way to revoke consent in Settings Apple expects users to be able to withdraw consent. Add an option in your Settings screen. 
import despia from 'despia-native';

async function revokeAIConsent() {
  await despia('setvault://?key=aiConsent&value=false&locked=false');
  alert('AI processing has been disabled. You will be asked again next time.');
}

async function getAIConsentStatus() {
  try {
    const data = await despia('readvault://?key=aiConsent', ['aiConsent']);
    return data.aiConsent === 'true';
  } catch {
    return false;
  }
}

// In your Settings component
function AISettingsToggle() {
  const [enabled, setEnabled] = useState(false);
  
  useEffect(() => {
    getAIConsentStatus().then(setEnabled);
  }, []);
  
  const handleToggle = async () => {
    if (enabled) {
      await revokeAIConsent();
      setEnabled(false);
    } else {
      const consented = await checkAIConsent();
      setEnabled(consented);
    }
  };
  
  return (
    <button onClick={handleToggle}>
      AI Processing: {enabled ? 'Enabled' : 'Disabled'}
    </button>
  );
}

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Complete implementation example

Full consent flow with persistence 
import despia from 'despia-native';

// Check platform
const isAppleNative = () => {
  const ua = navigator.userAgent.toLowerCase();
  return ua.includes('despia-iphone') || ua.includes('despia-ipad');
};

// Check stored consent
const getStoredConsent = async () => {
  if (!isAppleNative()) return null;
  
  try {
    const data = await despia('readvault://?key=aiConsent', ['aiConsent']);
    return data.aiConsent === 'true';
  } catch {
    return null; // Not yet asked
  }
};

// Store consent
const storeConsent = async (consented) => {
  if (!isAppleNative()) return;
  await despia(`setvault://?key=aiConsent&value=${consented}&locked=false`);
};

// Main consent check
const ensureAIConsent = async () => {
  // Check if already consented
  const stored = await getStoredConsent();
  
  if (stored === true) {
    return true; // Already consented
  }
  
  if (stored === false) {
    return false; // Previously declined
  }
  
  // First time - show native dialog
  const consented = confirm(
    'This app uses AI to analyze your input and provide intelligent responses. ' +
    'Your data will be processed by our AI service. ' +
    'You can change this setting anytime in the app settings.\n\n' +
    'Do you agree to AI processing of your data?'
  );
  
  // Store the choice
  await storeConsent(consented);
  
  return consented;
};

// Use in your AI feature
const handleAIRequest = async (input) => {
  const hasConsent = await ensureAIConsent();
  
  if (!hasConsent) {
    return {
      error: true,
      message: 'AI processing requires your consent. Enable it in Settings.'
    };
  }
  
  // Proceed with AI
  return await callAIService(input);
};
Be clear and specific Apple wants users to understand what they’re agreeing to. Include:
  • That AI will process their data
  • What data will be sent (input, content, etc.)
  • That they can change the setting later
  • General purpose (analysis, responses, recommendations)
Good example:
“This app uses AI to analyze your input and provide intelligent responses. Your data will be processed by our AI service. You can change this setting anytime in Settings. Do you agree to AI processing?”
Bad example:
“Enable smart features?”

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Quick checklist

  1. Consent dialog shown before any AI processing
  2. Dialog called after animations complete (avoid UI stutter)
  3. Dialog clearly mentions AI and data processing
  4. Consent stored in Storage Vault (persists across sessions)
  5. Users can revoke consent in Settings
  6. AI features blocked when consent is false
  7. Check for despia-iphone or despia-ipad user agent
  8. Standard confirm() used (Despia shows native UI)

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Common rejection reasons

RejectionFix
”No AI consent obtained”Add consent check before any AI calls
”Consent not clear”Update dialog text to explicitly mention AI processing
”No way to revoke consent”Add toggle in Settings screen
”Consent not persisted”Use Storage Vault to remember choice

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Still stuck?

If you keep getting rejected for AI consent issues:
  1. Review your consent dialog text - is it clear about AI processing?
  2. Verify consent check runs before every AI API call
  3. Test the full flow: fresh install → consent prompt → AI feature → reinstall → no prompt
  4. Contact support: support@despia.com with:
    • Your rejection notice in full
    • Screenshot of your consent dialog
    • Description of your AI features