Searching for a private journal usually turns up apps with a passcode on the front and a cloud account behind it. The lock protects the screen. It does not change where the writing lives.
absorvia takes the other route. There is no account to create, no sync, and no copy of your library on a server. What you write stays on the phone you wrote it on.
What private usually means
In most journal apps, privacy is a feature you switch on. A Face ID lock, a hidden folder, maybe encryption in transit. The entries still travel to an account so they can sync to your other devices.
That is a reasonable trade for people who want their journal everywhere. It is a poor trade if your reason for writing privately is that you do not want the words stored anywhere but with you.
What private means in absorvia
There is no sign-up screen. You open the app and write. The thought library is stored on the device. Keep an export of writing you want to preserve; device backups depend on your platform settings.
AI processing is opt-in and can include relevant excerpts from multiple captures. Subscription, usage and diagnostic services also use the network. See the privacy policy for each service.
- No account, no email address, no password.
- No cloud copy of your thought library.
- Reflection is opt-in. A request can include excerpts from more than one capture.
- No ads and no advertising identifiers.
What happens when you turn reflection on
The thought you choose is sent to the absorvia server and on to OpenAI, which returns one line. OpenAI's API terms mean that text is not used to train their models.
You can switch reflection off at any time in Settings. With it off, nothing you write leaves the phone. The app still sends diagnostic and usage data, and your subscription status.
The trade you are making
On-device storage has a cost. There is no web version, no sync to an iPad, and no way to recover the library if you lose the phone without a backup.
If you need your journal on several devices, a synced app suits you better. If you would rather nobody hold a copy, this is the trade absorvia makes on purpose.
Cost
absorvia is free to start. The free plan includes up to five saved thoughts per day and basic writing patterns. Premium includes up to 100 saved thoughts per day, voice capture, daily depth, deeper pattern surfacing and Sit With It. Monthly and annual subscriptions renew automatically. Eligible subscribers can try the annual plan free for 7 days. Current prices and eligibility are shown at purchase. AI reflections require your permission and an internet connection. The free plan includes up to three AI reflections in a rolling seven-day period. A reflection is an optional written response to a thought; the on-device thought category and orb colour do not require one. Premium includes further access subject to fair-use limits. You can keep writing within your plan’s capture allowance when reflections are unavailable.
Questions
Can absorvia read my thoughts?
With AI enabled, the relevant writing and context for a feature can include several captures. The complete database is not uploaded as a library.
Is there a passcode or Face ID lock?
Use your device lock to protect access. Your library is local, but opted-in AI requests and service records have separate retention. See the privacy policy.
What happens if I lose my phone?
There is no absorvia journal sync to restore the library from another device. Keep exports of writing you want to preserve and check your device backup settings.
Do you sell or share any data?
No. There are no ads, no advertising identifiers, and no sale of personal data. The privacy policy sets this out in full.
Try it. Write one thought and see what comes back.
