Seen: Photo Memories · Facts checked October 31, 2026
How Seen handles your photos
Seen has no account-based cloud photo library. Core records, saved works and analysis caches stay on your device; originals remain managed by Apple Photos. Core organization and recaps work without AI. If you choose optional photo understanding, selected images are sent directly to DeepSeek using your own API key, with usage charged under your DeepSeek account rules.
Photo access and adding records
iOS manages photo permissions, including access to selected photos only. After you explicitly add photos, Seen uses their available dates and locations to organize experiences on your device. The nearby feature uses your current location only with permission; it does not turn that location into a photo location.
Local records and backups
No Seen account is required, and account-based cloud sync is not currently offered. Local asset backup and restore cover records, works and related caches. Backups do not include originals from the system photo library. When moving devices, transfer originals through Apple Photos or another appropriate method and retain photo access. Protect backups that contain private material.
Originals and places
Organization, recaps and sharing do not delete originals. Deleting original photos requires a separate choice and system confirmation. Seen does not guess missing places; valid place corrections can support later browsing. Maps and place-based recaps use reliable information within their scope. Experience counts are not verified visit counts.
Optional photo understanding sends images
Optional AI connects only to DeepSeek, requires your own DeepSeek API key, and is charged by DeepSeek under your account rules. Photo understanding requires separate confirmation of selected photos and costs. It sends reduced still JPEGs, up to 1024 pixels on the long edge, with EXIF/GPS and other metadata removed. It does not send original files, Live Photo frames or video. The image itself can still reveal people, addresses or other personal information; removing metadata does not make it anonymous.
Text requests and authorization
Optional relationship analysis also uses your own DeepSeek API key, with fees charged by DeepSeek. It can send the index of added experiences and the dates, place names, notes, tags and existing structured clues within the retrieved material scope. While Home AI mode and the relevant authorization are enabled, material changes or explicit generation can trigger further text requests without a new confirmation each time. Independent polishing sends only text you separately select. AI does not directly rewrite experiences or saved works.
Network and providers
Maps and place search use Apple Maps services and require a network connection. Optional AI connects directly to DeepSeek using your own API key, with fees under your DeepSeek account rules. Core organization and recaps do not depend on a Seen content server. DeepSeek retention, training, deletion and cross-border handling follow its applicable terms and account rules; Seen does not promise that the provider never retains or trains on submitted content.
Stopping requests and the full policy
Turning off Home AI mode cancels current photo understanding and relationship analysis tasks. Independent polishing still requires an explicit submission of selected text. Revoke photo understanding authorization or remove the connection to stop corresponding new requests. Content already sent cannot be recalled. Read the privacy policy for the complete handling rules.