Last updated: June 20, 2026
The short version: AI Buddies is local-first. It does not ask for your Claude, Codex, Anthropic, or OpenAI account password. It reads local CLI usage artifacts only after you grant access, and it does not sell or share usage data for advertising.
On macOS, AI Buddies can read local folders used by Claude Code and Codex after you grant access through the system file picker. The app uses those files to calculate token totals, estimated cost, quota windows, project breakdowns, model mix, and usage tips.
AI Buddies stores parsed usage summaries, preferences, and file-access bookmarks on your device. The app is designed to avoid uploading your source code, prompts, conversations, or account credentials to HiForrest.
If iCloud is available, AI Buddies can sync usage summaries through Apple's private CloudKit database for your Apple ID so the iPhone app and widgets can show your latest summary. HiForrest does not operate a separate AI Buddies usage collection server.
Apple may provide standard App Store and crash diagnostics according to your Apple device settings. These diagnostics help understand app quality and do not include your Claude or Codex account password.
You can remove folder access in the Mac app, disable iCloud for the app in system settings, or delete the app to remove local app data from that device. You can also contact [email protected] with privacy questions.
AI Buddies is an independent product by HiForrest. It is not affiliated with Anthropic, OpenAI, Claude, or Codex.