According to Wikipedia [0], the app was launched 2 and a half years ago. So back in early 2017, machine learning on mobile was just beginning to gain traction. In fact, Core ML was only launched later at WWDC 2017 [1].
Yes it does look fishy. Today we have TensorFlow lite and Core ML, but to me it makes sense they did it this way back then.
I just used it on iOS. It asked for permissions to photos. I said no. But I did give it access to the camera. I can use the share sheet to manually save it.
Yes it does look fishy. Today we have TensorFlow lite and Core ML, but to me it makes sense they did it this way back then.
[0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FaceApp
[1]: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2017/06/ios-11-brings-new-fea...