Apple now proposes external developers to use the same AI models that make the new Apple Intelligence possible. The brand new Foundation Models Framework, announced on the WWDC 2025, offers the possibility for apps to integrate AI functions.
Thanks to the new framework, developers do not have to use external AI services and they do not incur costs for using the corresponding APIs.
Different data models
Until now, Apple’s artificial intelligence was tailored to Apple’s own apps. For example, the mail app can summarize e-mails, notes can use Genmoji and messages can automatically propose polls. The new framework is changing that. Apps for tasks such as quizzes, making images or productivity tools can use two different data models. The 3B-Param model, a language model with 3 billion parameters for performing simple tasks.
For more complex tasks, the 150B param model can be used with 150 billion parameters. The models are locally accessible on iPhone and iPad, which guarantees privacy and makes it possible to use the models offline.
With a few lines of Swift code, App developers can use these data models, for generating data, classifying, summarizing and more. Although it may seem like a small step from Apple, it has a big impact. Apps from all developers are now able to use the AI ​​functions, and not just Apple’s apps. Thanks to this step we will probably see a growth of apps with a smart assistant, translation assistant and automated workflows.
The Foundation Models Framework is Apple’s answer to the great competition of AI platforms such as Google, OpenAI and other providers of large language models (LLM). There is no more obstacle for developers to integrate AI functions into their apps. For example, there is no need to pay for API costs. As a result, smaller teams and individual developers are able to build in smart functions in their apps without having to use (expensive) external online services.
Privacy guaranteed
Apple focuses primarily on the privacy of AI by storing all data locally on the device. The data models are available on the device itself and therefore also available offline. This also means that the data from users never leaves the iPhone, iPad or Mac, so that the privacy of users is guaranteed.
New AI functions in MacOS 26, iOS 26 and iPados 26
In MacOS 26, iOS 26 and iPados 26, a number of new AI functions have also been added. Functions such as live translation, more intelligent shortcuts, aids for creating images and extensive Genmoji. The most striking change is to allow external developers to use the local AI models. As a result, intelligent functions are made possible in the entire Apple ecosystem.
Availability
Since WWDC25, developers can start testing the Foundation Models Framework in the Developer Bèta versions. The public betas follow in July and the full release this fall, as part of the annual OS updates.