Developers Tap Apple’s On-Device AI Framework in iOS 26 Apps
Key Points
- Apple unveiled the Foundation Models framework at WWDC 2025, enabling on‑device AI for iOS 26.
- Local models run without internet, avoiding inference costs and preserving privacy.
- Developers are integrating the framework into a variety of apps, from creative tools to finance trackers.
- Lil Artist uses the models for interactive learning experiences for children.
- MoneyCoach offers spending insights and automatic transaction categorization.
- LookUp creates example sentences and visualizes word origins using on‑device AI.
- Tasks app suggests tags, detects recurring tasks, and parses spoken input locally.
- Day One provides entry highlights, title suggestions, and writing prompts.
- Recipe and digital signing apps use the models for tagging, step breakdowns, and contract summarization.
- The small, local models focus on quality‑of‑life improvements rather than major workflow changes.
Apple’s new Foundation Models framework, unveiled at WWDC 2025, lets developers embed on‑device AI into iOS 26 applications. The small, local models provide features such as guided generation and tool calling without internet reliance. Early adopters have already integrated the technology into a range of apps—from creative tools for kids and AI‑driven story creators to finance trackers, language learners, task managers, journaling platforms, recipe assistants, and digital signing solutions—enhancing user experiences while keeping data private.
Apple’s Foundation Models Framework
Earlier this year, Apple introduced its Foundation Models framework during WWDC 2025. The framework gives developers access to on‑device AI models that run locally on iOS devices, eliminating inference costs and preserving user privacy. Apple describes the models as smaller than those from major cloud providers, positioning them for quality‑of‑life enhancements rather than wholesale workflow changes.
iOS 26 Rollout Enables New Capabilities
With iOS 26 now rolling out to all users, developers are updating their apps to leverage the local AI capabilities. The operating system’s support for guided generation and tool calling allows a variety of new features to be built directly into apps.
App Developers Put the Models to Work
Several early adopters have showcased how the on‑device models can enrich everyday applications:
- Lil Artist adds interactive experiences for children, using the model to generate creative content and educational activities.
- A developer shipped an AI story creator that lets users pick a character and theme, with the story text generated locally.
- MoneyCoach provides spending insights and automatically suggests categories for transactions, all powered by the local model.
- LookUp introduces a learning mode that creates example sentences for words and visualizes word origins using on‑device AI.
- Tasks suggests tags for entries, detects recurring tasks, and parses spoken input into actionable items without needing an internet connection.
- Day One generates entry highlights, title suggestions, and prompts to encourage deeper journaling.
- A recipe app uses the models to suggest tags, name timers, and break down cooking instructions into step‑by‑step directions.
- A digital signing app extracts key insights from contracts and provides concise summaries for users.
Impact on Users and Developers
The integration of Apple’s local AI models is delivering tangible benefits: faster, offline functionality; enhanced privacy; and new interactive features that improve daily workflows. While the models are modest in size compared with larger cloud alternatives, developers report that they are sufficient for the targeted enhancements they are building.
As iOS 26 continues to spread, more apps are expected to adopt the Foundation Models framework, expanding the ecosystem of on‑device AI experiences across the platform.