A privacy-first wave is sweeping Mac and iOS apps. Four tools are leading the charge toward on-device processing and tighter data control.
Upyng — Upyng is a powerful offline utility for developers on macOS. It bundles a regex tester, JSON/YAML/XML/CSV formatter and viewer, Grok tester, text compare, cron helper, and QR code generator. Free for the first 500 users [1]. macOS is available now [1]. Windows and Linux arrive Oct 15, with discounts through year-end [1].
XSpeak — XSpeak 2 is a fully private app that helps you in real-time during conversations. It transcribes in real time, separates your speech from others, and uses local AI to surface knowledge, identify risks, or spot opportunities. It supports the Apple Foundation Model, exports transcripts in Markdown, and offers system audio capture. Pricing: $3.99/month or $19.99/year (7-day trial) or $39.99 one-time [2].
WonderChat — WonderChat is a private coding helper on your phone. You bring your own key, choose models, and tap into GitHub integration with no data collection by WonderChat—your data stays with your providers. It also features rich Markdown rendering, live HTML previews, and saved conversations [3].
Zeitgeist — Zeitgeist — Stories for You is a private story camera. Shoot in story format, view on a Grid/Map, and keep everything on-device or in iCloud. No account, no feed. It’s in TestFlight for iOS 26 testers [4].
Together, these underscore a market push toward on-device processing and user data control.
References
Upyng – A Powerful Offline Utility App for Developers (Free for First 500 Users!)
Upyng macOS offline developer tools with regex tester, formatters, grok tester; free for first 500 users, promo codes.
View sourceXSpeak 2: the fully private app that helps you be your best in meetings in real-time. Major update. Made by human. [Promo codes]
XSpeak update spotlight private real-time mac transcription; languages, pricing, trial codes; user comparisons to MacWhisper and others.
View sourceWonderChat - Vibe Coder on your Phone (mini gemini cli)
WonderChat for iPhone via TestFlight; coding helper with GitHub, code explanations, live previews, no data collection, customizable models.
View sourceZeitgeist - Stories for You
Zeitgeist: private story camera; TestFlight iPhone beta; immersive, no posting, local storage; seeking testers.
View source