If you use an AI chatbot on your iPhone, it is likely collecting more data than you expect. A new Surfshark analysis of the top 10 chatbot apps on the App Store shows wide differences in how much each app gathers, and some stand out for how far they go.
How much data each chatbot collects
The study finds that every chatbot collects some form of user data. On average, apps collect 14 out of 35 possible data types, and around 70 percent track location during use.
Meta AI sits at the top, collecting 33 out of 35 data types, nearly everything available. It is also the only app in the group that collects financial information.
Google’s Gemini follows with 23 data types, including precise location, search history, contacts, and other personal details. Both Meta and Google collect sensitive categories such as political opinions, biometric data, and other deeply personal identifiers.
ChatGPT’s data collection has expanded this year. It now collects 17 data types, up from 10 in the previous review. Most of this data supports app functionality, but parts of it are also used for analytics, personalization, and advertising. Some categories, like health and fitness and advertising data, are not required for core functionality. It makes sense as ChatGPT now shows ads in free tier.
Claude and DeepSeek collect 13 data types each. Claude limits its collection to what it says is required for functionality, though much of that data may still be used for analytics and marketing. DeepSeek gathers similar categories, including location and search history, and stores data on servers in China. A recent breach exposed over one million records, including chat history and API keys, which highlights the risks of storing conversations.
How major chatbots compare on data collection
The gap between apps becomes clearer when you look at them side by side:
| Chatbot | Data Types Collected (out of 35) | Notable Data Collected |
|---|---|---|
| Meta AI | 33 | Financial data, biometrics, political views |
| Google Gemini | 23 | Precise location, contacts, search history |
| ChatGPT | 17 | Search history, audio, health, advertising |
| Claude | 13 | Core usage data, analytics |
| DeepSeek | 13 | Location, search history |
Precise location tracking is limited to a smaller group, including Gemini, Meta AI, Copilot, and Perplexity. That level of access gives these apps a much clearer picture of where you are and how you move. For more detailed stats of data collection from these chatbots, you can check the research material provided by Surfshark.
Why Siri stands apart on iPhone
Apple takes a different approach when you access ChatGPT through Siri. Requests are anonymized through Apple’s agreement, and the data is not used to train the model or tied back to your identity.
That makes Siri the most private way to use a chatbot on iPhone right now.
The takeaway is simple. Chatbots are becoming everyday tools, but the amount of data they collect varies sharply. Choosing one now means deciding how much of your personal information you are willing to share.
