Recommended App Store distribution strategy for apps that require Foundation Models

Hello,

I'm evaluating Foundation Models announced at WWDC 2026 and have a question regarding App Store distribution.

My understanding is that Foundation Models are only available on supported devices and operating system versions.

For apps that rely on Foundation Models as their primary functionality (rather than offering AI as an optional feature), I'm trying to understand the recommended distribution strategy.

Currently, iOS provides Required Device Capabilities to prevent users from installing apps that require hardware features such as GPS, ARKit, or NFC.

However, I couldn't find an equivalent Required Device Capability for Foundation Models. I also couldn't find a way to limit App Store availability by supported device models.

My questions are:

  1. What is the recommended way to distribute an app whose primary functionality depends on Foundation Models?

  2. Is there currently any supported mechanism to prevent users with unsupported devices from downloading such an app?

  3. Is Apple planning to introduce a Required Device Capability (or a similar App Store filtering mechanism) for Foundation Models before public release?

Without such a mechanism, users may be able to install the app successfully but then discover that its primary functionality is unavailable on their device.

I'd appreciate any guidance on the recommended approach.

Thank you.

Hello, @a_okano! The recommendation on the App Store side is to provide some baseline functionality to all users, regardless of whether Apple Intelligence is available. The App Store doesn’t support a required device capability for Apple Intelligence. Even on compatible devices, there are a number of reasons why Apple Intelligence could be unavailable, such as if the user selected an unsupported Siri language, is located in an unsupported region, or opted out of Apple Intelligence.

Recommended App Store distribution strategy for apps that require Foundation Models
 
 
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