Periodically Elemental privacy policy
Updated October 6, 2026. Developer: Nathan Fennel.
The build 5 changes below apply to the newly uploaded iOS/iPadOS and macOS 1.0 release when installed. Older installed versions, including the live tvOS 1.0 build 4 and visionOS 1.0 build 5 releases, retain the earlier image-download behavior described below.
Learning and preferences
The periodic-table reference text and image credits are included with the app. Display preferences, favorite and recent color schemes, the last focused element, and image caches are stored on your device. The native color-scheme search filters local data. No app account is required, and the app does not include advertising or an analytics SDK.
Element images
iOS/iPadOS and macOS build 5 include 118 primary element images, which can be displayed without downloading them. Additional gallery images download from Wikimedia only when you choose “Load more images online” or reload that gallery. Previously downloaded images may be shown from the local cache.
Older installed versions, including tvOS build 4 and visionOS build 5, can automatically download first images when the app starts and additional images when you view element details. Wikimedia requests go directly to image hosts including upload.wikimedia.org and thumb.wikimedia.org. They disclose the image URL, IP address and normal connection information such as request time and software details. A request may reveal the image being loaded; startup downloads do not necessarily mean you viewed that element.
Wikimedia uses request information for operation, security and analysis, and may derive an approximate location from your IP address. Its privacy policy and retention guidelines explain how it handles this information. Removing local app data does not erase provider logs.
Reference updates
When an app scene becomes active, iOS/iPadOS and macOS build 5 check the reference catalog on nathanfennel.com at most once every six hours under normal device-clock operation. This fixed-address request downloads element reference data and translations; it does not send your selected element, color schemes or personal learning history. The catalog host and its hosting providers receive your IP address, requested path, request time and ordinary software and connection details. Ordinary server connection logs may retain this information for operation and security.
A complete validated catalog is saved locally before it replaces the previous copy. Failed or invalid updates leave the bundled reference or last good saved catalog available. Bundled primary images remain on the device; checking the catalog does not automatically download extra Wikimedia gallery images.
Wikipedia and other links
Read More on Wikipedia opens an article in an in-app Safari view on iOS and visionOS, or in a browser on macOS. tvOS displays the source address. When you follow an article, image-credit, license, privacy or support link, the destination receives the request and handles it under its own policy. Browsing a Wikipedia article can involve requested-page history, network metadata and website cookies.
Storage and deletion
Downloaded images are cached locally to reduce repeat requests. The app performs image-cache cleanup with a target of 768 MiB; cache size can temporarily exceed that target. The saved reference catalog, last update-attempt time, display preferences, color schemes and focused element also stay on your device. Use your operating system storage tools to remove local app preferences and cached data. Copies in device backups follow your backup settings. Local deletion does not remove catalog-host or Wikimedia logs, or copies held by external websites. The bundled reference text remains usable without image downloads.
Support and changes
If you contact the developer, the information you provide is used to respond to your request. This policy will be updated when the app's practices change.