If you have used a hosted AI service, “local AI” can sound more complicated than it needs to be. The basic idea is simple: a supported model runs on your device, so the main conversation does not need to begin with a hosted account or API key.
I’m part of the team behind Pebble Mind, a free-to-start iPhone and iPad app built around that workflow. This post explains the product boundary in plain language and what a first version can do today.
A local-first workflow
Pebble Mind lets you choose supported Apple and GGUF models, review model details and device-readiness information before downloading, and start a focused chat on the device. The app includes streaming replies, Markdown, conversation history and local search, storage management, and supported attachments.
The local workflow does not require an account or API key. Chats, prompts, responses, attachments, downloaded models, and preferences are kept on-device according to the app’s privacy description.
