Developers can now use Apple’s advanced offline AI models

Artificial Intelligence is the defining technology race of this decade, with tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI competing fiercely to dominate AI innovation. Apple, often seen as the guardian of user privacy and seamless experience, has historically taken a more measured approach to AI, focusing on delivering intelligent features that protect user data and work smoothly across its devices.

At WWDC 2025, Apple dramatically stepped up its AI ambitions with the introduction of the Foundation Models framework, a bold move that finally opens the door for developers worldwide to tap directly into Apple’s powerful on-device AI capabilities. This announcement not only shifts the AI landscape but also signals Apple’s intent to compete head-to-head in the AI era, prioritising privacy, speed, and offline access in a world increasingly reliant on cloud AI.

What is the Foundation Models Framework?

The Foundation Models framework provides developers with direct access to Apple’s large language and AI models embedded across iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and more. These models power well-known features like Live Translation, Visual Intelligence, and Image Playground. With this new framework, developers can now build smart, AI-driven experiences inside their apps that run locally on Apple devices — no constant internet connection required.

This is a significant shift from the cloud-centric AI models offered by many competitors and aligns with Apple’s deep commitment to user privacy and security.

Key Features

Apple’s Foundation Models framework stands out because of its:

• Offline Capability: Applications can perform AI tasks without internet connectivity, making this technology accessible and reliable even in low-bandwidth regions.
  
• Privacy by Design: All AI computations occur on-device, ensuring user data never needs to leave the device, critical in today’s privacy-conscious environment.
  
• Developer-Friendly Integration: Accessible through Swift, Apple’s preferred programming language, the framework simplifies embedding sophisticated AI features into apps with minimal complexity.
  

Real-World Applications and Early Adopters

Some early adopters have already begun to explore this framework’s potential:

• Day One, a popular journaling app, uses the Foundation Models framework to deliver tailored writing prompts and intelligent content suggestions based on user input, all processed offline for privacy.
  
• AllTrails leverages AI to suggest personalised hiking routes and provide real-time environmental insights, enhancing outdoor adventures without relying on cloud connectivity.
  

What does this mean for African developers and the tech ecosystem?

For the African tech community, this announcement couldn’t be more timely or relevant. Internet access remains inconsistent in many parts of the continent, making offline AI capabilities not just a convenience but a necessity. By empowering developers to build powerful, privacy-focused, and offline-first AI applications, Apple’s framework opens new doors for innovation tailored to Africa’s unique market conditions.

Moreover, Apple’s privacy-centric approach aligns perfectly with global and local demands for ethical technology development, allowing African developers to build trust-driven solutions that resonate with users worldwide.

How to get started

The Foundation Models framework is currently available to developers through the Apple Developer Program, with a public beta expected soon. Developers can access the framework via Swift, backed by comprehensive documentation and tools to accelerate integration.

Why this matters

Apple’s Foundation Models framework marks a turning point in the AI landscape. In a world dominated by cloud AI giants, Apple stakes its claim by offering a privacy-first, offline-capable, and developer-accessible AI platform. For developers and investors in African tech, this framework offers a fresh playground to pioneer AI applications that meet real-world needs without compromising on privacy or accessibility.

While Apple’s Foundation Models framework is a significant step forward in on-device AI and privacy, some critics argue that the company’s closed ecosystem may limit broader innovation. By restricting AI capabilities primarily to Apple’s own devices and requiring developers to work within its tightly controlled environment, Apple risks slowing the pace of AI advancement compared to more open platforms.

Additionally, the hardware requirements for running these models offline could exclude users with older or lower-end devices—a notable concern for regions like Africa, where device diversity and affordability are key factors. This approach, while admirable in its privacy focus, may unintentionally create barriers to widespread adoption and inclusive innovation.