PrivateSteps vs Apple Health: what should iPhone users know?
Short answer: Apple Health does much more, including wearables, sleep and heart rate. Apple documents that iCloud sync of Health data is on by default and can be turned off. PrivateSteps, coming to iPhone, keeps everything only on the phone, with no account, and does not use Apple Health.
Side by side
| Feature | PrivateSteps | Apple Health |
|---|---|---|
| Where your data is stored | Only on your phone | On your device; per Apple, iCloud sync of Health data is on by default and can be turned off |
| Account needed | No account | iCloud is used for sync |
| Ads | None | See Apple's page |
| Works offline | Yes, same in airplane mode | See Apple's page |
| Steps | Yes, Day to Year reports | Yes, and much more |
| Blood sugar, blood pressure, weight, cholesterol log | Yes, with your own targets | See Apple's page |
| Wearables, sleep, heart rate | No, by design | Yes |
| Price approach | Free to start; see the store listing | See Apple's page |
As of October 2026, check the provider's current page, because features and policies change. Source: Apple's support page.
What Apple documents
Apple says iCloud encrypts data in storage and in transit, and that health records use end-to-end encryption with iOS 12 or later and two-factor authentication. We do not call it unsafe. The difference is approach: Apple syncs by default, while PrivateSteps has no cloud at all.
About PrivateSteps on iPhone
PrivateSteps is coming to iPhone. It does not use Apple Health or HealthKit, and it does not read or write it. Your numbers live only inside PrivateSteps.
Which is right for you?
If you wear a watch or track sleep, Apple Health does far more. If you want a small private log, read about a private step counter. Please talk to your own doctor or care team about your numbers and targets. PrivateSteps only records and draws what you enter, and it is not a medical device.
Keep your steps on your phone
Free to start. See the store listing for current pricing.
replace with official badge image App Store
coming soon
Questions
Does PrivateSteps work with Apple Health?
No. It does not use Apple Health or HealthKit and does not read or write it.
Is PrivateSteps on iPhone yet?
It is coming to iPhone. Check the store listing for availability.
Can I turn off iCloud sync for Health data?
Apple's support page says sync can be turned off in iCloud settings. Check Apple's current page for the steps.
PrivateSteps records and draws your own numbers. It does not diagnose, interpret or give medical advice. Talk to your own doctor or care team about your health.