# KernelAI vs Dossier

The clearest difference is update cadence: KernelAI at every 3 weeks against Dossier's every 3 months. KernelAI also leads on iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. KernelAI sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and Dossier sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

KernelAI ships an update every 3 weeks, Dossier every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | KernelAI | Dossier |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kernelai-offline-ai-chat/id6757350731/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **43** | — |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 86 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Anes Khadiri](https://appshunter.io/developer/1863184646) | [Kamogelo Mashishi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1808153652) |

## What reviewers say

### KernelAI

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kernelai-offline-ai-chat/id6757350731)

This AI assistant operates entirely on your device, offering private, offline access to over 43 free models. It functions without an internet connection, ensuring your data remains secure and inaccessible to anyone but you. Enjoy AI capabilities anywhere, anytime, with no data collection or subscriptions.

**Highlights:** Private, offline AI operation, No internet required, Zero data collection, Access to 43+ free AI models, Vision AI for image analysis, File attachments for document understanding, Ad-free experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Kind Tip. | $3.99 | one-time |
| Generous Tip. | $6.99 | one-time |


### Dossier

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dossier-dossier/id6761747345)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dossier Standard Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Dossier Pro Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Dossier Standard Yearly | $79.99 | per year |
| Dossier Pro Yearly | $109.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is KernelAI free?

KernelAI is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Dossier free?

Dossier is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do KernelAI or Dossier have ads?

Neither KernelAI nor Dossier shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, KernelAI or Dossier?

KernelAI ships an update every 3 weeks, and Dossier every 3 months. Most recently, KernelAI was updated on October 31, 2026 and Dossier on November 5, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*