One top pick is Private LLM. This local AI chatbot for iOS and macOS supports a variety of open-source LLM models, including Llama 3 and Google Gemma, and can run completely offline. It also has advanced features like customizable system prompts, integration with Siri and Shortcuts, and family sharing, all while keeping your conversations private and secure. The app is a one-time purchase, but you get an evolving AI experience as the developers continue to support new models and abilities.
Another good option is Layla, which also runs locally to keep your conversations private and uncensored. Layla uses the latest LLMs and has customizable settings, downloadable characters and a range of personalities to make the experience more engaging. It can have conversations, create stories, answer questions and even play out characters in roleplay scenarios. The AI learns your preferences through interactions and is updated regularly with new abilities like task reminders and 3D model generation.
If you want more interactive storytelling, Backyard AI could be a good option. The service lets you chat with AI characters locally, supporting a wide range of hardware and keeping your data private. Backyard AI works both online and offline, and it's got features like automatic GPU acceleration, mobile tethering and secure cloud models. It supports more than 100 language models, and there's a free and paid tier, so you can use it for whatever your needs and budget require.