Choose Between On-Device Foundation Models And Private Cloud Compute

This article explores the decision-making process for iOS developers when choosing between on-device foundation models and Apple's Private Cloud Compute (PCC) for AI features. It explains that both models share the same LanguageModelSession API shape, making switching easy, but they have different constraints: on-device models work offline with no limits, while PCC offers larger context windows and reasoning levels but requires network access and has daily user limits. The article includes code examples for both approaches and notes eligibility requirements for PCC access, such as App Store Small Business Program participation. It provides practical guidance on when to use each model based on task requirements like latency, privacy, and complexity.