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localmodel.run

Device profile · iOS

Best local LLMs for iPhone 17 Pro

iPhone 17 Pro has ~8 GB usable for model weights and runs 35 of 67 popular models. Best tool: Apple Foundation Models.

Usable memory
~8 GB
Models run
35
Too large
32
Top pick
4B
Top pick Q4_K_M

Runs at Q4_K_M using ~3.8 GB of ~8 GB usable. You have room for Q8_0 for higher quality.

Runs on iPhone 17 Pro

Compatible models 35 total

Too large for this device

Best way to run models on iOS

Runtime guide iOS

Beginner: Apple Foundation Models, Built into iOS 26, ~3B on-device model, zero download, fully private.

Power user: PocketPal AI, Run any GGUF from HuggingFace fully offline.

Phones realistically run 1B-4B class models. Anything larger thermally throttles or OOMs.

Full iOS tool guide →

FAQ

What is the best local LLM for iPhone 17 Pro?

Gemma 3 4B is the strongest model that runs comfortably, using ~3.8 GB at Q4_K_M of the ~8 GB usable on iPhone 17 Pro.

How much of iPhone 17 Pro's memory can I use for a model?

About 8 GB. On a CPU-only machine, leave headroom for the OS and apps.

Which tool should I use on iOS?

Apple Foundation Models (Built into iOS 26, ~3B on-device model, zero download, fully private.) or PocketPal AI for speed. Phones realistically run 1B-4B class models. Anything larger thermally throttles or OOMs.

Sources

Memory figures are estimates. See methodology.