Privacy Policy
Updated: 2 hours ago
App: Shellway: Path of Growth
Effective date: November 13, 2026
Introduction
This Privacy Policy explains how Shellway: Path of Growth (“we,” “us,” or “the App”) handles information when you use our iOS application. By using the App, you agree to this Policy.
On the App Store the App may appear as “Shellway: Path of Growth” (and localized names such as “龟途：成长之路,” “龜途：成長之路,” and “かめみち：そだちの道”). On your Home Screen the App may appear as “Shellway,” “龟途,” “龜途,” or “かめみち.” These refer to the same application.
The App is a quiet growth-path companion: you care for a turtle companion (Kame) at home, raise growth along signposts, gather moss slowly, optionally take short quiet strolls that return moss only, and collect mood letters, soft finds, and growth seals when signposts light up. Letters and finds come from signpost progress at home—not from strolls. The App is free to use and may show advertisements. You may optionally purchase a one-time in-app purchase to remove ads. Availability may vary by territory (for example, China mainland may remain unavailable pending required filings).
Information We Collect
We do not require you to create an account. We do not intentionally collect your name, email address, or payment card details inside the App (purchases are processed by Apple).
Depending on how you use the App and your device settings, we may process:
1. App progress and preferences (on device)
Examples: growth and signpost progress, moss pool state, nest inventory and optional shell selections for a stroll, letters and finds you have lit, optional notes you write for growth seals, moss-reminder preferences, and similar settings stored locally on your device. This content stays on your device unless you choose to share something using the system share sheet or send Feedback by email.
2. Device and diagnostic information
If you send Feedback through the in-app mail sheet, the message may include app version, iOS version, and device model to help us troubleshoot. You control whether to send the email.
3. Advertising identifiers and ad-related data
If ads are shown, Google AdMob (and related Google advertising services) may collect or receive advertising identifiers (such as the IDFA, subject to your App Tracking Transparency choice), device/technical information, coarse location typically inferred from IP address (the App does not request GPS / precise location permission for this), and interaction data for ad delivery, measurement, and fraud prevention. Where required, we present consent / privacy messaging (including Google’s UMP) before personalized ads.
4. Analytics
After you agree to our in-app privacy / analytics prompt (where applicable), we may use Umeng analytics to understand aggregate app usage and stability (including product interaction and diagnostic signals the SDK may collect, such as crash or performance data). If you decline, we do not initialize analytics for that purpose as described in the App.
5. Purchase status
Apple StoreKit provides us with entitlement information needed to unlock “Remove Ads” and restore purchases. We do not receive your full payment card number.
6. Notifications (optional)
If you enable moss reminders or related local notices, Apple’s notification system delivers them on your device. We do not operate a push-notification marketing server for this purpose.
How We Use Information
We use information to:
- Provide home care, growth path, optional quiet strolls (moss only), mail, keepsakes, and related features
- Show, measure, and improve advertising (unless you have removed ads)
- Analyze aggregate usage and improve reliability (when analytics is enabled)
- Respond to Feedback you send us
- Honor Restore Purchases and Remove Ads entitlements
- Comply with law and protect against abuse
Sharing of Information
We do not sell your personal information.
We may share or allow processing by:
- Apple — App Store distribution, in-app purchases, and system privacy controls
- Google (AdMob / UMP) — advertising and consent tooling when ads are enabled
- Umeng — analytics when you have agreed
- Service providers that host legal pages or support email
- Authorities when required by law
Third parties process data under their own policies. Please review:
- Google Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
- Apple Privacy Policy: https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/
Your Choices
- Tracking (ATT): On supported iOS versions you can allow or deny App Tracking Transparency. You can change this later in iOS Settings.
- Ad personalization / privacy options: Where available (including privacy options surfaced in Settings), you can manage ad-related preferences. Purchasing Remove Ads stops ad display in the App.
- Analytics consent: Where the App asks before enabling analytics, you may decline.
- Notifications: You can turn reminders off in the App or in iOS Settings.
- Delete local data: You can delete the App to remove on-device progress and preferences. Uninstalling does not automatically delete data held by Apple, Google, or analytics providers under their systems.
Children’s Privacy
The App is not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your region). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact us and we will take appropriate steps.
Data Retention
On-device progress and preferences remain until you change them or delete the App. Ad and analytics partners retain data according to their policies and legal requirements. Feedback emails are retained as needed to respond and improve the App.
Security
We take reasonable measures to protect information. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.
International Processing
Your information may be processed in countries other than your own, including where our service providers operate. Those countries may have different data-protection laws.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Effective date” above will change when we do. Continued use of the App after an update means you accept the revised Policy.
Contact
Questions about privacy:
Email: feedbackofapp@outlook.com
Please include “Shellway Privacy” in the subject line.
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