Google quietly releases 'AI Edge Gallery' app to run AI models offline on your phone

In a significant development, Google has quietly introduced a new app that allows users to run artificial intelligence (AI) models directly on their smartphones without needing an internet connection.

Named Google AI Edge Gallery, the app is currently available for Android devices, with an iOS version expected soon.

This experimental app enables users to browse, download, and operate a variety of open-source AI models hosted on Hugging Face.

These AI models can perform tasks such as image generation, code editing, and answering questions, all locally on the device using its onboard processor.

Unlike cloud-based models, which may offer more computational power, locally run AI ensures data remains on the user’s device.

This is especially appealing for those concerned about privacy or needing access in areas without stable internet.

Described by Google as an “experimental Alpha release,” the app is accessible via GitHub.

 Its interface includes features like “AI Chat” and “Ask Image,” with models tailored to each function, including Google’s Gemma 3n.

Moreover, there is a “Prompt Lab” for running one-off tasks like rewriting or summarising text, complete with templates and customisation settings.

The tech giant has cautioned that performance will vary depending on the phone’s hardware and the model size. 

While high-end devices will handle tasks more efficiently, larger models could take longer to process.