On-Device AI vs Cloud AI

For years, big tech companies have pushed the idea that AI should live in massive cloud data centers, working like a public utility that everyone must connect to. But this model has clear downsides: it’s expensive to run, slower because of internet delays, and raises serious privacy concerns. That’s why the idea of running AI directly on personal devices is gaining attention. When AI works locally, it can feel faster, cost less over time, and keep user data where it belongs — on the device 🔒

Apple is often seen as being late to the AI race, especially when compared to companies releasing powerful chatbots and cloud-based models. However, the path Apple has chosen could still help it win in the long run. Instead of chasing attention with flashy features, Apple focused on building powerful chips where the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine share the same memory, making on-device AI more efficient ⚡ By placing this technology inside millions of iPhones, iPads, and Macs, Apple is positioning itself for a future where AI is personal, private, and always available — even without an internet connection 🤖