How to run AI locally on iPhone
To run AI locally on iPhone, install an app that keeps the model on the device. In Embasis, a free app for iOS 26 or later, choose a model in Settings and download it if it needs one. After setup, supported conversations and writing are answered on the iPhone, and can work offline.
What are the steps?
1. Install Embasis from the App Store.
2. Open Settings, then Model, and choose a model. Apple Intelligence needs no download where it is available.
3. Ask something. With a local model, the answer is made on your iPhone.
Which local model should I choose?
Start with the model the app recommends for your iPhone. Standard is the balanced option. Standard Text is smaller and only reads text. Standard Vision also reads photos. Fast suits most iPhones, and larger models need more memory.
How much space does a local model need?
Most Embasis models are about 1 to 2 GB. The Model screen shows the exact size before you download.
Can an iPhone run an LLM with no internet?
Yes. After the model is on the device, supported conversations and writing can work with no connection. Web search, maps, weather and news still need one.
Why use a local AI app instead of a cloud chatbot?
The main reasons are privacy and access: your words are processed on the device, and it can work on a plane. Cloud models are larger, so they can be stronger at hard questions and faster on old phones.
Updated by Michael Liu. Private AI assistant for iPhone. Privacy policy.