In a low-profile move last week, Google released a new app called AI Edge Gallery that allows users to download and run a variety of AI models locally on their smartphones. Available now on Android — with iOS support coming soon — the app is designed to bring the power of AI directly to users’ devices, eliminating the need for an internet connection.
Local AI, No Cloud Required
Unlike typical AI-powered apps that rely on cloud infrastructure, Google AI Edge Gallery enables users to run models entirely offline. It supports a range of open models sourced from the popular AI development platform Hugging Face, allowing for tasks such as:
- Image generation
- Code writing and editing
- Text summarization and rewriting
- Question answering
- Interactive chat via AI models
The benefit? Data stays on the device. This setup is appealing to privacy-conscious users who may be hesitant to send personal information to remote servers — and for those in low-connectivity environments who still want access to powerful AI tools.
A Peek Inside the AI Edge Gallery
Once installed, the app offers a clean interface with shortcuts to AI tasks like “Ask Image” and “AI Chat.” Users can browse and select models suitable for each function — such as Google’s own Gemma 3n — download them directly to their device, and get started immediately.
Also included is a “Prompt Lab,” where users can test “single-turn” prompts (one-shot tasks) with customizable templates. This allows some degree of model fine-tuning and experimentation with behavior, ideal for both casual users and developers looking to understand AI model outputs.
Performance varies by device. While the app is designed to work across a range of modern smartphones, Google notes that larger models will take longer to process tasks and may require more powerful hardware to function efficiently.
Experimental — But Open to All
Google labels this release as an “experimental Alpha,” encouraging developers and tech enthusiasts to provide feedback and contribute to its development. The app is open source under the Apache 2.0 license, meaning it’s free to use for both personal and commercial projects with minimal restrictions.
The AI Edge Gallery can currently be downloaded from GitHub following provided instructions. Despite the quiet launch, the move signals a larger trend toward on-device AI — a future where advanced machine learning tools don’t rely on the cloud.
What This Means for the Future of AI on Mobile
The launch of Google AI Edge Gallery reflects a growing shift in AI development: bringing intelligence closer to the edge. As smartphones become more powerful, and as users demand greater privacy and accessibility, running AI models locally is becoming not just feasible, but practical.
Whether for developers looking to prototype apps, hobbyists exploring the capabilities of LLMs, or everyday users interested in offline AI utilities, Google’s latest release opens the door to a new generation of local-first AI tools.
