Hi
I really only use local photos in Apple Photos on macOS. I was very shocked when ChatGPT told me that “most AI features” are on-device. But unfortunately, not all AI features are on-device. Is that true? Can anyone provide more details on this?
Thank you
I feel like Apple is forcing me to migrate to https://immich.app/, but I don’t want to have to set up my own server again (self hosting). Apple Photos requires absolutely no effort.
If you extend or reframe a photo it goes to Apple’s Private Cloud Computer where it shouldn’t be accessible by anyone, not even Apple.
I believe that everything else is on device.
Or perhaps Mythos on its next adventure 
I actually just use Apple Photos in “view-only” mode. I never extend or reframe a photo, but Apple Photos recognizes people, generates tags, and does a lot more. Does all of that happen on the device itself?
what you mean? I don’t understand
I didn’t know that Mythos is capable of breaking the end-to-end encryption. Tell me more.
Mythos did much more than that
Yes, Apple has been very clear about all of that work happening on-device since the features were introduced.
this was “on” by default:
looks like a cloud feature…
Lumo+ says:
Describes how photos are analyzed locally, but an encrypted embedding (landmark fingerprint) is sent to Apple’s servers
This is different from the facial recognition and other older features you were referring to previously.
As @Alevyinroc says, not one of the features you mentioned. It seems clear to me that if I want Photos to be able to recognise locations/landmarks, it would need to consult a database which would be online.
Opinions will differ about whether this feature should be on by default: Apple presumably believes that most users will find it helpful and that it’s not a security risk
Yes, it’s all on device. The only information which gets shared between devices in any tag you add or confirm.
