OpenAI, On Device or Private Cloud Compute: which mode?
The mode chooses where translation runs. It also changes the available languages, preparation steps and credit usage.
OpenAI · Online
Choose this mode for the app’s OpenAI-powered online translation. It needs internet, available AI credits and the required data-sharing consent. It is not an offline fallback and does not automatically inherit every local model’s languages.
On Device
Choose this for supported local translation on the device. Prepare compatible translation and speech assets before use. An active subscription is required; this mode does not spend AI credits. Some pairs or speech languages are unavailable even though their interface is translated.
Private Cloud Compute
Choose this for compatible Apple Intelligence devices with the required system version, online availability and consent. Translation runs through Apple Private Cloud Compute. The microphone pipeline may still need a speech asset download. This is an internet mode, not an offline model.
Choose with a small test
All modes require an active subscription. Online modes also require credits. PCC uses a product tariff based on actual text-token usage at half the equivalent GPT Realtime text rates; it is not a fixed number of credits per minute.
- Select Mode before starting the conversation.
- Verify the pair, readiness and subscription or balance message.
- Try a harmless short sentence and its reply.
- If you change mode, confirm the pair again rather than assuming the provider is identical.
