Apple Foundation Models: verify the runtime, not just the iPhone name

Apple documents on-device foundation models and an on-device SystemLanguageModel. Device Fit Check treats that runtime evidence separately from generic claims that an iPhone is simply “AI capable.”

What Apple documents

Apple’s 2026 Foundation Models update describes the latest on-device SystemLanguageModel, while Apple Machine Learning Research describes third-generation Apple Foundation Models that include on-device models. The architecture spans both on-device and server-based models, so “Apple Intelligence” is not synonymous with “every task stays local.”

Why the checker asks for runtime confirmation

Apple can route different experiences through different model paths. A phone name by itself does not tell this tool which path a particular app or feature is using. Selecting the Foundation Models runtime means you have device or developer evidence that the target path is on-device.

Own models are a different question

If you are using a separate local model app rather than Apple’s system model, select the third-party runtime option and use the model-memory screen. The system Foundation Models path is not used as proof that an arbitrary model file can be loaded.