Terms of Use

About these terms

These terms are between you and Nextkey Inc., the operator of Earbite. They cover the Earbite app, earbite.app and studio.earbite.app. By using the service, you agree to these terms. If you do not agree, please do not use it.

Our Privacy Policy explains how we handle personal information. The terms shown by Apple when you buy or download through the App Store also apply.

Who can use Earbite

You must be at least 13, or the higher minimum age required where you live. If you are below the local age of adulthood, a parent or legal guardian must consent to and supervise your use. Purchases must be made or authorised by an adult who is entitled to use the payment method.

Stories may include romance, conflict, violence or other mature themes. Read the descriptions and any content notices, and choose material appropriate for you. A story without a rating should not be treated as suitable for every age.

Your guest account

The listening app creates a guest account after onboarding. You do not need to supply an email or password. Coins and episode unlocks belong to that guest account; saved stories and listening position are stored on your device.

There is currently no email-based sign-in or account-transfer feature for listeners. Changing devices, clearing app data or losing the guest session can prevent access to its wallet and unlocks. Do not assume coin purchases can be recovered through Apple’s subscription restoration. Contact us before discarding a session if you need help with paid access.

Protect your device and account session. Let us know if you suspect unauthorised purchases or access.

Stories and access

Earbite provides a limited, personal, non-commercial right to listen to available stories through the app. Stories, recordings, scripts, artwork, characters, branding and software remain the property of their respective owners. Access does not transfer ownership of that material.

Some episodes are free. Other episodes require an active subscription or a coin unlock. The app shows the available options and applicable coin cost. An active subscription gives access to the available catalog without spending coins; it does not create permanent episode unlocks.

We may add, update or remove stories and features for editorial, legal or operational reasons. A coin unlock remains associated with your guest account, but access depends on the episode remaining available through Earbite. If a change affects access you paid for, contact us about the remedies available under applicable law.

Subscriptions

When offered, subscriptions are purchased through Apple’s App Store. The purchase screen and Apple confirmation show the price, billing period, applicable taxes and any trial or introductory conditions before you confirm. Do not rely on a price shown elsewhere as a checkout price.

Subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled through your Apple account before renewal. Manage or cancel them in iPhone Settings → your name → Subscriptions. Deleting Earbite or asking us to delete account data does not cancel an Apple subscription.

Access normally continues until the paid subscription period ends after cancellation, unless Apple revokes or refunds the purchase. Eligible subscriptions can be restored using the same Apple account. A trial, if offered, may become paid at the disclosed price unless cancelled in time.

Coins and episode unlocks

Coins are virtual credits for eligible episode unlocks inside Earbite. They have no cash value, cannot be transferred between accounts and cannot be exchanged for money. Purchased coins do not expire. The pack size and price are shown before checkout.

A coin unlock deducts the displayed cost once and records access to that episode on your guest account. Unlocks are separate from a subscription and do not expire when a subscription ends. They remain subject to the account and content-availability limits described above.

Coins appear after the purchase is verified. Delivery can be delayed while Apple approval or verification is pending; checking an existing purchase does not require buying the pack again. We may correct a balance when a purchase is refunded, reversed or credited in error.

Refunds and purchase support

Apple handles refund requests for purchases billed through the App Store. Eligibility depends on Apple’s rules and applicable consumer law. For delivery problems or incorrect access, email benchappteam@gmail.com so we can help investigate. Do not send full payment-card details.

These terms do not take away cancellation, refund or other consumer rights that the law gives you.

Using Earbite responsibly

Use the service lawfully and respect the rights of others. Do not bypass payment or access controls, share account credentials or signed media links, distribute story files, scrape the catalog without permission, upload malicious files, or interfere with the service. Rights permitted by law are unaffected.

We may restrict access where reasonably necessary to address fraud, security threats, unlawful activity or a material breach of these terms. Where appropriate and legally permitted, we will explain the issue and provide a way to contact us. Restricting app access does not itself cancel an App Store subscription.

Studio and authorised agents

Studio is for approved editors. Only upload audio, scripts, images and other material that you are authorised to use and publish. You keep your rights in submitted material and give Nextkey Inc. the permission needed to store, process, reproduce and deliver it through Earbite.

Preparation may produce transcripts, timing information and other technical versions needed for playback. Review the prepared story before publishing. You are responsible for checking that publication is authorised and that the metadata and content are appropriate.

Connecting an agent gives it access to Studio using your editor identity. Keep its saved credential secure, authorise only agents you trust, and follow the same upload and publication rules. Studio access may be removed when editorial authorisation ends.

Availability and your rights

We work to keep Earbite available and accurate, but interruptions, buffering and technical errors can occur. Playback requires a supported device and internet connection. We cannot promise uninterrupted service or that every feature or story will remain available indefinitely.

To the extent permitted by law, we are not responsible for indirect losses or losses arising from use outside the personal listening purpose of the service. We do not exclude liability that cannot legally be excluded, including applicable rights relating to faulty digital content, fraud or negligence.

If a provision is unenforceable, the remaining terms continue to apply. Nothing here removes mandatory protections or remedies available where you live.

Changes and contact

We may update these terms as Earbite develops. We will update the date and provide appropriate notice of material changes. Changes to subscription prices are handled through the App Store’s applicable notice and consent process.

For questions, account requests or a concern you would like us to resolve, contact Nextkey Inc. at benchappteam@gmail.com.