what is required system-wise to develop an iOS app with Foundation Models?

Asked on 2025-07-25

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To develop an iOS app using the Foundation Models framework, you need to meet the following system requirements and considerations:

  1. Supported Platforms: The Foundation Models framework is available on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and VisionOS. This means you can develop apps using this framework on any of these platforms.

  2. Development Environment: You will need Xcode to develop your app. The framework is integrated into the Apple developer ecosystem, and you can start by importing the framework into your Xcode project.

  3. On-Device Execution: The Foundation Models framework runs entirely on-device, which ensures that user data remains private and the app can function offline. This also means you don't need to set up cloud services or API keys for basic usage.

  4. Swift API: The framework provides a convenient Swift API, which is essential for integrating the Foundation Models into your app. You will need to be familiar with Swift to effectively use the framework.

  5. Tool Calling and Structured Output: The framework supports tool calling, allowing the model to execute code defined in your app. It also supports generating structured data output, which can be integrated into your app's user experience.

  6. Performance Optimization: The framework is optimized for performance using state-of-the-art techniques like quantization and speculative decoding. You can use tools like the Instruments App Profiling template to profile and optimize model requests.

For more detailed information on using the Foundation Models framework, you can refer to the session Meet the Foundation Models framework and Deep dive into the Foundation Models framework.