Private iCloud Containers and Personal Journal Sync
iCloud can sound complicated, but the basic idea is straightforward. Apple’s CloudKit system has private databases as well as public ones, and Apple says a user’s private database is connected to their iCloud account and is accessible only to that user by default.
What private iCloud storage means
CloudKit is Apple technology that apps can use with iCloud. Apple says information in a user’s private CloudKit database belongs to that user, counts toward their iCloud storage, and is not visible in the developer portal.
Private iCloud still uses cloud servers
Private iCloud storage does not mean there are no cloud servers. CloudKit runs on Apple’s cloud infrastructure, so the clearest description is that Stillkeep uses Apple infrastructure for private storage and synchronization rather than claiming the app is cloud-free.
What happens when Stillkeep needs to sync
Access to private CloudKit data requires an active iCloud account, and cloud synchronization needs a connection to Apple’s services. This page does not make additional claims about exactly which Stillkeep features work without an internet connection.
Which services Stillkeep says it uses
Stillkeep’s Privacy Policy names Sign in with Apple, CloudKit, and StoreKit as Apple services used by the app. It also says The Stillkeep app does not use third-party analytics, third-party advertising SDKs, or cross-app tracking technologies.
Why exports are useful even when you have iCloud sync
iCloud sync and exports do different jobs. Stillkeep can export an Era as a PDF or an individual Moment as a photocard, giving you a copy you can keep or deliberately share outside the app.
20 common questions about Stillkeep, iCloud and private journal sync
What is a private CloudKit database?
It is a private area of Apple’s CloudKit system connected to the user’s iCloud account. Apple says it is accessible only to that user by default.
Can the developer see private CloudKit records in the developer portal?
Apple says data in a user’s private CloudKit database is not visible in the developer portal.
Does private CloudKit use servers?
Yes. CloudKit uses Apple-operated cloud infrastructure. It is accurate to describe it as private iCloud storage, not as a system with no cloud servers.
Why call Stillkeep local-first if it uses iCloud?
Because the terms describe different parts of the experience. “Local-first” refers to a device-centred approach, while iCloud provides Apple-based storage and synchronization.
Does CloudKit require an iCloud account?
Yes. Access to a user’s private CloudKit database requires an active iCloud account on the device.
Who owns private CloudKit content?
Apple says users own the contents of their private CloudKit database and can view and modify that content.
Does private CloudKit data use my iCloud quota?
Yes. Apple says information stored in a private CloudKit database counts toward the user’s iCloud storage allowance.
Is a private CloudKit database the same as a public database?
No. CloudKit has private, public, and shared databases, and they have different rules about who can access their contents.
Does Stillkeep run its own journal-content backend?
Stillkeep’s Privacy Policy says user data is stored and processed using Apple infrastructure and identifies CloudKit as one of the Apple services used by the app.
Does Stillkeep use Apple services besides CloudKit?
Yes. Stillkeep’s Privacy Policy also names Sign in with Apple and StoreKit alongside CloudKit.
Does using Apple infrastructure mean Stillkeep can promise absolute privacy?
No. Apple infrastructure and private access controls are meaningful protections, but no networked system should be described as having absolutely zero privacy or security risk.
Can sync happen without internet access?
Cloud synchronization needs a connection to Apple’s services. This guide does not make additional promises about which Stillkeep features work offline.
Is iCloud sync a substitute for exports?
No. Sync helps keep journal data available through the Apple ecosystem, while an export creates a separate copy that you control outside the live app.
Can I export a whole Era?
Yes. Stillkeep lets you manually export an entire Era as a PDF.
Can I export one Moment?
Yes. You can export an individual Moment as a photocard containing its image and accompanying writing.
Does Stillkeep use third-party analytics?
No. Stillkeep’s published Privacy Policy says the app does not use third-party analytics.
Does Stillkeep use cross-app tracking?
No. Stillkeep’s published Privacy Policy states that the app does not use technologies for tracking people across other companies’ apps or websites.
Does Stillkeep sell journal content for advertising?
Stillkeep’s published Privacy Policy says third-party advertising services are not used and does not describe journal content as being sold to create advertising profiles.
What is the clearest privacy description for sync?
A clear description is that Stillkeep uses Apple’s iCloud and CloudKit infrastructure for private journal storage and synchronization, with journal content private by default.
What should users remember about cloud privacy?
Private access controls are useful, but you should still protect your Apple account and iPhone. For memories you would hate to lose, keeping an independent export or backup is also sensible.