KernelAI

About KernelAI

KernelAI is a mobile application that brings private, offline AI to your phone. It runs 53 open-source models from 15 different labs directly on your device using llama.cpp, with all processing happening locally on your iPhone's CPU and GPU or Android device. No account, subscription, or usage caps are required.

The app supports multiple features for privacy-focused AI use: you can attach documents (PDFs, Word files, spreadsheets) and images for analysis, write and run code offline, record voice questions using on-device speech recognition, and set custom instructions to shape conversations. You can import your own GGUF model files and optionally enable web search using your own Tavily or Exa API key. KernelAI integrates with iOS Shortcuts and Siri, allowing automations to run entirely on the phone.

Every model in the catalog is measured against your device's actual memory before download, with sizes ranging from 112 MB to 3.11 GB. The app works completely offline once a model is downloaded and supports iOS 16.4 or later and Android 7.0 or later. All chats, files, images and transcriptions are processed on the phone; KernelAI does not upload conversations to its servers.

FAQ

How does on-device AI work?

KernelAI runs quantised open-weight models through llama.cpp on your iPhone's CPU and GPU. After a one-time download over Wi-Fi the model file lives on your device, and every prompt is processed locally with no internet connection needed.

Is it really free?

Yes. Current features are free with no subscription, no usage caps and no account. Optional tips support development but do not unlock features, and models run on your own hardware.

What leaves my device?

Your chats, attached files, images and transcriptions are processed on the phone and are not uploaded to KernelAI's servers. Model downloads and optional web search use the network; the privacy policy explains every supporting service.

Does it work offline?

Completely. Once a model is downloaded you can use it in airplane mode, underground, or anywhere with no signal.

Which devices are supported?

iPhone and iPad running iOS 16.4 or later, and Android devices running Android 7.0 or later. KernelAI measures your device's memory and disables models it cannot run.