Apps reading or writing HealthKit data can't use that data for advertising or sell it to data brokers, and apps running research studies need a documented consent process describing what's collected and how it's used.
Commonly caught when a fitness app's analytics or ad SDK gets broader access to HealthKit-sourced data than its stated research or wellness purpose requires.
"Your app uses HealthKit data for purposes other than health and fitness, or for advertising, which is not permitted per guideline 5.1.3."
Guideline 5.1.3 covers apps that handle health information. Data from HealthKit and similar sources cannot be used for advertising or sold to data brokers, and apps that conduct research need a documented consent process explaining what is collected and how it is used. Health data is among the most sensitive that an app can hold, so the restrictions are firm.
Information about someone's health can affect their insurance, employment and personal safety if it is misused. Apple built HealthKit so that people can share specific data with apps they trust, and the guideline protects that trust by limiting what developers can do with it. Research uses add a further layer of responsibility, because participants must understand what they are agreeing to and how their information will be handled.
No. The guideline prohibits using HealthKit data for advertising.
Apple expects documented consent, and some studies may need ethics oversight outside Apple's process.
Data stored through HealthKit is covered, including activity data.
Platform rules change often. This page is a plain-language explanation written by AppReviewFix, not official guidance. Check the current App Store Review Guidelines for the exact wording.