The differentiator
A real AI writing assistant that runs entirely on your Mac.
Gist doesn't just transcribe locally — it thinks locally. The AI that cleans up and restructures your speech is a Gemma model running on-device via Apple's MLX framework. Your speech and text are never sent to a server. No API key to paste, no account to create, no usage metering, and nothing for anyone to log, leak, or subpoena.
- Both stages are local: on-device transcription (Apple's speech engine) + on-device AI rewriting (Gemma / MLX).
- The model downloads once, then works fully offline — on a plane, on a locked-down network, anywhere.
- No cloud, no account, no API key, no subscription to an AI service. Genuinely private by architecture.
- Optional Apple Intelligence backend: switch to Apple's built-in on-device Foundation model — still 100% local.
Say it once. Get any format.
One dictation, six rewrites. Pick a mode before or after you speak and Gist's on-device model reshapes the same words — streaming in token by token. Dial in tone, length and detail per mode, or add a one-line instruction like "make it shorter" or "translate to Spanish." Gist keeps every name and number you said and invents nothing. Need the words verbatim? Raw mode skips the AI.
feat: / fix:More than dictation
One key, any app
Hold the fn / key, speak, release — Gist refines on-device and drops the text into the frontmost app. A floating overlay shows your live transcript and pace; ⌘⇧D copies to the clipboard instead.
Analytics that never leave your Mac
Every dictation is analysed locally — words, day streak, speaking pace, filler rate, vocabulary range and hours of typing saved, with a 14-day chart and your most-used words. Computed on-device with Apple's Accelerate framework; nothing is uploaded.
Native macOS 26
A true native SwiftUI app with Apple's Liquid Glass design — menu bar, main window, floating overlay and widgets. Runs on Apple Silicon and leans on the Neural Engine via MLX. No Electron, no web wrapper.
Your private speaking coach
Gist doesn't just write for you — it makes you a sharper speaker.
Pick a goal — be more concise, cut filler, sound more confident — and Gist reviews your real dictations and coaches you like an editor who actually read them. It's the only dictation app that does this, and it does it entirely on your Mac: no audio, no text, no scores ever leave your device.
- An honest read on your style, with before → after rewrites of your own sentences.
- Actionable tips, "try instead" swaps, and richer vocabulary to grow into.
- Tracks progress over time — words-per-sentence, filler rate and a personal best, by session, day or week.
- 100% on-device — your writing is never uploaded to be analysed or scored.
How it works
Hold fn / and talk
Gist transcribes live, on your Mac, using Apple's on-device speech engine.
Release
Gist's on-device AI rewrites your speech in your chosen mode — streaming in live.
It's placed for you
The polished text drops straight into the app you're using. Nothing was uploaded.
Why Gist
| Gist | Cloud dictation / AI writing tools | |
|---|---|---|
| Transcription location | On your Mac | Uploaded to servers |
| AI rewriting location | On your Mac (Gemma / MLX) | On their servers |
| Works fully offline | Yes (after one model download) | No |
| Speaking insights & coaching | Built in, on-device | Rare — and cloud-based |
| Account / login / API key | None | Usually required |
| Pricing | One-time purchase | Monthly / per-use |
| Your words used for training | Never — they never leave | Varies / often unclear |
| Native macOS app | Yes (SwiftUI, Liquid Glass) | Often Electron / web |
Try it free
Start with a free 3-day trial — no signup, no card. If you keep it, it's a one-time €29 (launch price). No subscription, no account.
Secure checkout via Stripe Notarized DMG · runs on your Mac Requires macOS 26 · Apple Silicon
Requirements
Frequently asked
Is there a free trial?
Yes — a 3-day free trial starts automatically the first time you launch Gist. No signup, no card. It's tied to your Mac, so reinstalling won't restart it.
Does Gist send my voice or text to the cloud?
No. Both the transcription and the AI rewriting run entirely on your Mac — your audio and text never leave your device. (License activation and the one-time AI-model download are the only times Gist uses the network.)
Do I need an API key or an account?
No. There's no account, no login, and no API key. Gist downloads its AI model once, then runs offline.
Which AI model does it use?
A Gemma model running locally through Apple's MLX framework. On Macs that support Apple Intelligence, you can switch to Apple's on-device Foundation model instead. Both are 100% local.
How big is the download?
The app is small; the on-device AI model is a one-time download of roughly 1.5–6 GB depending on the variant you pick in Settings.
Does it work offline?
Yes — once the model is downloaded, transcription and AI both work with no internet at all.
Which apps does it work in?
Any app with a text field. Hold-to-dictate inserts into whatever app is frontmost; otherwise it copies to your clipboard.
Have another question, or interested in volume licensing? Get in touch.