Apple has opened its foundational AI model to third-party developers for the first time, allowing direct access to the on-device large language model that powers Apple Intelligence. The move, announced at this week’s Worldwide Developers Conference, represents a significant shift in Apple’s traditionally closed ecosystem approach to Apple AI developer tools.
The newly accessible three-billion parameter model operates entirely on-device, reflecting Apple’s privacy-first philosophy while imposing technical limitations compared to cloud-based alternatives from competitors.
“We’re opening up access for any app to tap directly into the on-device, large language model at the core of Apple,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s software chief, during the conference presentation, according to Reuters.
The foundation model framework enables direct access
The new Foundation Models framework allows developers to integrate Apple Intelligence features with just three lines of Swift code, providing privacy-focused AI inference at no cost. The framework includes guided generation and tool-calling capabilities built-in.
Automattic has already begun leveraging the framework in its Day One journaling app. “The Foundation Model framework has helped us rethink what’s possible with journaling,” Paul Mayne, head of Day One at Automattic said. “Now we can bring intelligence and privacy together in ways that deeply respect our users.”
Xcode 26 integrates AI assistance
Xcode 26 now embeds large language models directly into the coding experience. Developers can use ChatGPT built into Xcode without creating an account, connect API keys from other providers, or run local models on Apple silicon Macs.
The Coding Tools feature assists in the development, offering suggested actions like generating previews, creating playgrounds, or fixing code issues within the development environment.
Visual intelligence opens to third parties
Apple extended Visual Intelligence capabilities to third-party developers through enhanced App Intents. Etsy is exploring these features for product discovery, with CTO Rafe Colburn noting: “The ability to meet shoppers right on their iPhone with visual intelligence is a meaningful unlock.”
The integration allows apps to provide search results within Apple’s visual intelligence experience, potentially driving direct engagement from camera-based searches.
Market and analyst scepticism
Apple’s stock closed 1.2% lower following the conference, with analysts questioning the incremental nature of announcements. “In a moment in which the market questions Apple’s ability to take any sort of lead in the AI space, the announced features felt incremental at best,” said Thomas Monteiro, senior analyst at Investing.com.
The measured approach contrasts sharply with Apple’s more ambitious AI visions presented last year. Bob O’Donnell, chief analyst at Technalysis Research, observed: “They went from being visionary and talking about agents before a lot of other people did, to now realizing that, at the end of the day, what they need to do is deliver on what they presented a year ago.”
Technical limitations and strategic focus
The three-billion parameter on-device model represents both Apple’s commitment to privacy and its technical constraints. Unlike cloud-based models that can handle complex tasks, Apple’s on-device approach limits functionality while ensuring user data remains local.
Ben Bajarin, CEO of analyst firm Creative Strategies, noted Apple’s behind-the-scenes focus: “You could see Apple’s priority is what they’re doing on the back-end, instead of what they’re doing at the front-end, which most people don’t care about yet.”
Apple AI developer tools will be available for testing through the Apple Developer Program starting immediately, with a public beta expected next month. The company’s measured approach may disappoint those expecting revolutionary AI capabilities, but it maintains Apple’s traditional emphasis on privacy and incremental innovation over flashy demonstrations.
As the AI race intensifies, Apple’s strategy of opening its foundational tools to developers while maintaining modest consumer-facing promises suggests a company more focused on building sustainable AI infrastructure than capturing headlines with ambitious claims.
(Photo by Apple )
See also: Apple AI stresses privacy with synthetic and anonymised data
Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.
Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.
