Apple said qualifying developers can use its Foundation Models through Private Cloud Compute without cloud API fees.

The announcement was made at WWDC on June 8.

The framework already runs on-device for Apple Intelligence features and can use Apple’s server-side model for more demanding tasks.

The offer applies to developers enrolled in App Store Small Business Program.

Eligible apps must have fewer 2 million total first-time App Store downloads. Developers also need a Private Cloud Compute entitlement.

The Foundation Models framework is a native Swift API that gives apps direct access to Apple’s on-device language model. Apple said image input and support for server models are coming later this year, letting developers connect to third-party cloud models.

The offer resembles Apple’s Small Business Program, which gives eligible developers a 15% App Store commission rate if their proceeds stay within a US$1 million limit.

It also comes as AI spending faces closer scrutiny, with Goldman Sachs estimating 2026 hyperscaler AI capital expenditure at US$527 billion.

🔗 Source: TechCrunch

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