On-device AI and privacy-first design are finally landing in Mac and iOS apps in 2025. Here’s what’s actually shipping, not just hype, from real user tests and beta notes.
On-device AI that actually ships Vox Vocabulary keeps translation and language models on-device—no cloud AI. The beta emphasizes offline word practice, long-press discovery, smart quizzes, and widgets [1]. WillTrack can prefill height and weight from Apple Health during onboarding, a privacy-conscious touch [5].
Privacy protections for screen sharing Veil lets you blur or hide sensitive regions while sharing your screen, with Focus Mode to blur the workspace and Hide Mode for selected areas. It supports multiple displays and lets you save presets [3].
AI writing aids and onboarding coptypist (in beta) uses local AI to suggest word and sentence improvements. It’s part of a broader wave that also mentions onboarding and tools like ProWritingAid and Quillbot as writing aids [4].
AI-powered file renaming via Apple Intelligence Rename X Pro uses Apple Intelligence to rename files with either the local model or OpenAI for online power [2].
Closing thought: these threads show privacy-preserving AI is real, but users should still weigh on-device vs. online power, energy use, and feature tradeoffs as apps evolve.
References
Vox Vocabulary
Vox Vocabulary is an iOS vocabulary app with on-device features, books/tags, smart quizzes, widgets; beta on TestFlight.
View sourceApple Intelligence file rename app
Mac rename app uses Apple Intelligence; users discuss AI benefits, pricing, trial ideas; compares to Transnomino, NameChanger, Hazel, local model.
View sourceI Built an App that Blurs Screen Distractions and Protects Shares.
Mac Veil app blocks distractions; blur areas, enable safe screen sharing; features presets, multi-display, quick toggle; one-time license, optional subscription.
View sourceSuggestions for an app to assist with writing
Mac users seek AI writing aids; Coptypist, ProWritingAid, TypingMind, Craft, Quillbot cited for integration and features on Mac ecosystem.
View sourceWillTrack - Built with AI and thus its simply free. Let me know your thoughts!
WillTrack iOS gym app free AI built health data sync onboarding tweaks language fix awaiting imperial unit support and feedback
View source