Comparison

ArcanAI vs Palmi

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

ArcanAI

Features
Read full description

ArcanAI is a private, on-device AI chat app that runs open-source language models entirely on your iPhone or iPad. No accounts. No subscriptions. No cloud. No internet required. Import any GGUF model from Hugging Face and start chatting — every conversation happens locally, powered by hardware-accelerated inference using Apple's Metal framework. Your messages never leave your device. KEY FEATURES - Run AI models 100% offline — on a plane, off the grid, anywhere - Import any GGUF model from Hugging Face — choose the size and capability that fits your device - Store and switch between up to 5 models at once - Analyze documents — upload PDFs, spreadsheets, text files, CSVs, and more - GPU-accelerated inference for fast, streaming responses - Full conversation history with multiple independent chats - Edit messages and regenerate responses - Customize temperature, max tokens, and system prompts - Beautiful dark UI with markdown-rendered responses - Text-to-speech support SUPPORTED MODEL FAMILIES Llama, Gemma, Mistral, Phi, Qwen, and any ChatML-compatible model. RECOMMENDED STARTER MODELS - Llama 3.2 1B (~570 MB) — great for older devices - Gemma 2 2B (~1.0 GB) — balanced performance - Qwen 2.5 3B (~1.5 GB) — multilingual and code capabilities PRIVACY FIRST Zero data collection. Zero telemetry. Zero crash reporting. Zero cloud sync. Your conversations and model files stay on your device — always.

About

Palmi

This AI-powered workspace allows users to engage in conversations, manage projects, and interact with custom characters. Connect your own AI models to generate text, analyze images, and process documents for efficient workflow and creative exploration.

Highlights
  • AI-powered conversations and project management
  • Connect custom AI models
  • Virtual character interaction with memory
  • Document and file processing
  • Web search and image analysis
  • On-device OCR and Python scripting
Features
Read full description

Palmi brings AI conversations and a practical workspace to iPhone and iPad. Connect your chosen model service to ask questions, work on your writing, understand images, research a topic, or analyze data and save the results as files. Answers you can explore Try adjustable charts, calculators, animations, or small games inside a reply. Text, images, and interactive content stay together in the conversation so you can compare options and try out an idea. Keep your work in projects Use Professional mode to organize conversations, source material, and results in projects. Follow task progress, inspect tool activity, and add instructions as work continues. Browse folders, preview files, and share the results. Research with sources in view Search the web, read pages and supported documents, follow leads, and turn findings into answers and files. Browser control is available in beta in Professional mode: direct the built-in browser in everyday language, view multiple pages, and take over for sign-in or verification. Work with data on your device Run local Python calculations and data processing, recognize text in images, and read supported PDF, Office, and iWork documents. Keep source material, intermediate files, and results in your project workspace. Your models and methods Connect compatible model services, organize models into groups, choose a default, and switch models in a conversation. Tools such as image generation can use a separately selected model. Import skills to reuse your methods across the app or in a specific project. Characters and ongoing stories Bionic mode supports custom fictional characters, conversations, and memories. The free version includes the built-in Palmi character and up to two custom characters. A one-time Bionic Pro purchase raises the custom-character limit to 99 and unlocks memory details, editing, links to source messages, diary reading, and more. Characters, stories, and generated images are fictional. Bring a model service You need to configure a compatible model service to get started. Palmi does not include third-party model credits. Available models, web search, image features, and their costs depend on the services you choose. Bionic Pro does not include model credits. Conversations, project files, and task state are stored on your device by default. Content needed for a request goes directly to your configured model or search service, subject to that service's terms and privacy policy. Access to device data follows system permissions and app tool settings. iOS manages background execution time.

Screenshots

ArcanAI4 screens
Palmi4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ArcanAI at none against Palmi's 1. ArcanAI also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 26.1). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Palmi sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. ArcanAI asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
ArcanAI versus Palmi: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterArcanAIPalmi
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequency—Monthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.1 — better26.1
Further details — not scored
Size37 MB142 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperJackson Giordano昱鹏 洪

In-app purchases

None

ArcanAI

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Palmi

One-time1
  • Bionic Pro$2.99

Questions

Is ArcanAI free?
ArcanAI is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Palmi free?
Palmi is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do ArcanAI or Palmi have ads?
Neither ArcanAI nor Palmi shows ads.

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