Apple highlights third-party apps using new Foundation Model models in iOS 26

iOS 26 includes multiple new Apple Intelligence features, but one of the biggest changes is that Apple has opened up its AI models to third-party developers. This allows third-party apps to plug directly into Apple’s on-device Found Models. In a new press release today, Apple highlights several popular third-party developers who have leveraged the new Foundation Models framework to power new features in their apps. Here’s Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations: “We’re excited to see developers around the world already bringing privacy-protected intelligence features into their apps. The in-app experiences they’re creating are expansive and creative, showing just how much opportunity the Foundation Models framework opens up. From generating journaling prompts that will spark creativity in Stoic, to conversational explanations of scientific terms in CellWalk, it’s incredible to see the powerful new capabilities that are already enhancing the apps people use every day.” Among the apps highlighted by Apple are SmartGym, Stoic, CellWalk, Streaks, Stuff, Agenda, OmniFocus, and many more. Austin Blake, the developer of Stuff, said access to Foundation Models in IOS 26 has been a game changer: “The Foundation Models framework in iOS 26 has been a game changer for new workflows in Stuff. Running entirely on device, it’s powerful, predictable, and remarkably performant. Its simplicity made it possible for me to launch both Listen Mode and Scan Mode together in a single release — something that would’ve taken much longer otherwise.” Here’s Tim Davison, the developer behind CellWalk: “The on-device model has great performance. Our visuals have always been interactive, but with the Foundation Models framework, the text itself comes alive. Scientific data hidden in our app becomes a dynamic system that adapts to each learner, and the reliable structured data produced by the model made integration with our app seamless.” Matt Abras, the developer of SmartGym, said the framework has allowed developers to “deliver on-device features that were once impossible.” Check out Apple’s press release for more details on the apps using the new Foundation Models framework in iOS 26. My favorite iPhone accessories: Follow Chance: Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, and Mastodon.