OpenCat
OpenCat is a native multi-model AI client for iPhone, iPad and Mac with bring-your-own keys, OpenCat Cloud, local models, MCP and system translation.
What it is for
OpenCat is aimed at Apple users who want one native client for cloud APIs, a hosted subscription path and local models. It also includes MCP tools, system translation, Markdown and code display. Users who need Windows, Android or full team administration are outside its current primary platform focus.
Version and device requirements
The current mobile requirement is iOS or iPadOS 17, while Mac features depend on the system and chip. Local MLX inference benefits from Apple Silicon memory and does not follow from merely being able to install the application. Confirm the developer, app identifier and package provenance before using a non-store archive.
Three data paths
A local model can infer on the device after its files are present. Bring-your-own-key mode sends prompts directly to the selected provider, while Cloud routing adds the hosted service as another path before the model provider. iCloud sync, MCP, search and translation can each create additional data movement.
Maintenance note
This page was reviewed on 2026-08-23 against the 26.7.4 app metadata, platform requirements, feature notes and privacy boundary. Test each chosen provider with ordinary text before importing sensitive conversations.
Save to your cloud drive
Open the cloud drive to get the file directly, or save it for convenient access on another device.
Quark Cloud Drive
RecommendedSave OpenCat to this cloud drive
Baidu Netdisk
Save OpenCat to this cloud drive
OpenCat installation and first model setup
Install OpenCat 26.7.4 on a supported Apple device, choose a local or online model path and verify sync and privacy settings.
Before you start
- Use iOS or iPadOS 17 or later; Mac feature availability depends on the device, chip and system version.
- Decide between Cloud, a provider key and a local model after reviewing cost and data handling.
- Prepare a non-sensitive test prompt and do not import private chat history during setup.
Installation steps
- 01
Verify the app identity
Confirm the developer, app identifier and version before installing. Avoid similarly named packages that request unknown profiles or broad permissions.
- 02
Choose a service path
Select Cloud, a provider key, a local model or a system model on first launch. Enable only the subscription and permissions needed for the first test.
- 03
Review sync and system access
Decide whether iCloud sync is needed. When enabling keyboard, translation or cross-app features, read each system prompt and exclude sensitive applications.
Quick start
- 01
Add a model or provider
Enter the provider credential, select a memory-appropriate local model or confirm the Cloud subscription and available model list.
- 02
Test the data path
Send ordinary text in a new session, check the displayed model and compare online and local behavior. A local test can be repeated after disconnecting the network.
- 03
Verify sync on a second device
If iCloud is enabled, create a non-sensitive test session on another device and confirm the expected behavior. Turn sync off when local-only history is required.
Usage tips
- A model that downloads successfully may still be too large for smooth local inference on the device.
- MCP, search and third-party tools can send prompts or context outside the device; review each tool permission.
- A locally stored key or history does not mean an online provider will not receive the prompt.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why is a valid API key rejected?
Check the key scope, region, balance, model identifier and compatible endpoint. A chat subscription may not include API access for the same provider.
Why is a local model slow or terminated?
Use a smaller or more heavily quantized model, close other memory-heavy applications and check free storage. Older devices can meet the system requirement while lacking practical headroom.
- Export sessions and revoke credentialsSave required content, rotate or delete unused provider keys and cancel subscriptions or automatic renewals that are no longer needed.
- Remove the app and sync dataDelete the application, then review iCloud history and model files separately. Clear independent data only after confirming there is no restore requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Can OpenCat work completely offline?
A compatible local model can run offline after its files are present, while Cloud, online APIs, search and model downloads need a network connection.
What is the difference between Cloud and a provider key?
Cloud routes requests through its hosted service, while a provider-key path connects from the device to the selected service. Both should be evaluated as separate data paths.
Is there an official Windows or Android client in this resource?
The catalog entry is for iPhone, iPad and Mac. Treat similarly named third-party clients as separate software until their identity is verified.
What should be reviewed before enabling iCloud?
Check which conversations, settings and model files sync, then use a non-sensitive test session before enabling it for regular work.