NextChef Privacy Policy

Last updated November 12, 2026

Your recipe library

NextChef stores saved recipes, imported content, and preferences on your device so you can manage and cook from your library. The app uses your camera or the photos and videos you select to import recipes. Standard photo and video text recognition runs on your device.

Optional AI photo import

Where available, AI import is optional. If you choose to use it and supply your own OpenAI API key, NextChef sends the selected recipe photos directly to OpenAI for recipe extraction. The request uses your API key and exposes your connection IP address to OpenAI. NextChef stores your key in the device Keychain. You can forget the key and use standard photo import. OpenAI handles requests under its own privacy policy and API data controls. Deleting an import in NextChef does not delete a request already sent to OpenAI.

Web links and speech

When you import a link, NextChef requests content from the source website, which receives the request and your connection IP address. When enabled, hands-free cooking uses your microphone to recognize cooking commands on your device. For recipe recordings, NextChef uses Apple speech recognition and asks before using Apple’s online service when on-device recognition is unavailable. When Apple’s online service is used, Apple receives the audio for transcription.

iCloud and Reminders

If you enable recipe sync, Apple iCloud stores and syncs your library. If you share a household library, invited participants can access the shared recipes and associated photos. If you grant Reminders access, NextChef checks the selected grocery list for duplicates and adds the ingredients you choose.

Retention, deletion, and permissions

Saved recipes and recordings remain in your library until you delete them. You can manage your camera, microphone, speech recognition, and Reminders permissions in device Settings. You can also turn off recipe sync in NextChef. Manage shared access through iCloud. Deleting a local item may leave copies in backups, shared libraries, or other people’s libraries. For help with access or deletion, contact us.

Contact

Send privacy questions and requests to contact@vicigroup.org.