You ask a question. Your phone makes the answer. That is the starting point for Pond: useful AI for writing, explanations and everyday planning, running on a device you already have.
What is local AI?
Local AI, also called on-device AI, creates answers on your device instead of sending the work to a remote server. In Pond, that device is your iPhone. Local chat and offline chat are related, but online tools can still need the internet.
A model on your phone
A language model generates text by drawing on patterns learned during training. In Pond’s core chat, Apple’s on-device model does that work on your iPhone. Pond does not route that answer generation to a cloud AI service.
Doing the work on your phone doesn’t make every answer right. AI can misunderstand a question, miss details or confidently get a fact wrong. Check important details, especially anything involving health, money or legal decisions.
When offline works
Once Apple Intelligence is enabled and its model is downloaded and available, core chat can work without an internet connection. Try rewriting a message, breaking down an idea or making a plan from information you provide.
Fresh information is different. Pond’s web search sends a query to an online provider. Weather needs an online service and a location. When a request calls for an image, Pond can retrieve one from Wikimedia Commons. These tools will not work offline. Initial downloads, updates and future account services also need a connection.
What your iPhone needs
Pond requires iOS 26 or later and an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone. Apple Intelligence must be turned on, with its on-device model ready. Device language, region and settings can affect availability. A newer iOS version alone does not make an older iPhone compatible.
Check Apple’s current Apple Intelligence requirements and Pond’s support guide before downloading.
Start with a small, useful question
“Help me make this message warmer.” “Explain that in plain English.” “Turn these notes into a plan.” You do not need a perfect prompt. Give Pond a little context, read the answer and refine it together.
Learn more about how Pond works and what stays on your phone.