Bring cloud APIs and local models to iPhone and iPad. Connect your API keys or compatible endpoint, choose the model, and run browser and Python tools on-device.
IMPORTANT: Requires your own provider API keys or an OpenAI-compatible endpoint.
I built Cumbersome because consumer AI apps kept dumbing things down. Cumbersome is the manual transmission of AI apps: more complex, but with far greater control.
WHY I BUILT THIS
Consumer AI apps hide the controls I want and lock me into one provider.
I wanted direct API access, the freedom to pick and compare models, and to pay providers for what I use. This is the app I use every day, so I pay attention and try to get it right.
SUPPORTED PROVIDERS
- ChatGPT / OpenAI
- Claude / Anthropic
- Gemini / Google AI Studio
- OpenRouter multi-provider
- Vercel AI Gateway multi-provider
- Z.ai
- OpenAI-compatible custom endpoints, including Ollama, Azure, LM Studio, Groq, Together, and self-hosted backends
WHAT YOU GET
- A versatile API client. One app, every major provider and model.
- Total control. Pick your model, tune the parameters, switch providers mid-conversation.
- Compare models head to head. Stream multiple chats in parallel and let an AI judge pick the best.
- Bring your own tools. Local browser use, reasoning, web search, image generation.
- Rich, editable conversations. Markdown, LaTeX, code blocks, attachments, edit and export anything.
- Private by design. iCloud sync across devices. Nothing saved to our servers.
- Native and accessible on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
MAJOR FEATURES ADDED IN 2026
Highlights only.
New in 1.74.0: Incognito chats. Search Project documents and conversations with Pro.
2026-09-21: Independent iPad chat windows.
2026-09-14: Read replies aloud as they arrive. Save and Restart after editing.
2026-08-29: Select multiple chats. Mac export/import of all chats.
2026-08-21: Background replies on iOS 26. Question Cards for clarification.
2026-08-18: Web Agent: a shared, interactive browser.
2026-08-06: Highlight passages and attach notes for your next reply.
2026-08-03: Local Python analysis, charts, Mermaid, Markdown export.
2026-07-31: Gemini video. Responses API for custom providers.
2026-07-28: Parallel browser and MCP tools.
2026-07-23: Mind/Meld combines three AI responses into one.
2026-07-18: Full Simplified Chinese support.
2026-07-12: Ghost/Write drafts your next turn.
2026-07-09: Remote MCP servers and tools.
2026-07-02: Chat themes and reading fonts (Serif, Rounded, Mono).
2026-06-28: Folder system message presets.
2026-06-24: Prompt caching, with usage across providers.
2026-06-17: Reusable system presets per conversation.
2026-06-16: Offload long system messages to iCloud Drive.
2026-06-15: Toggle custom API parameters.
2026-06-11: Compact chats to lower API costs.
2026-06-07: Run JavaScript and HTML.
2026-06-04: OpenRouter PDF parsing and search engine options.
2026-05-12: Quick Prompt shortcut and App Visibility on Mac.
2026-05-09: Folders to group and organize chats.
2026-05-03: Collapsible sidebar sections, synced across devices.
2026-04-22: Image generation with OpenAI and Gemini.
2026-04-18: Local browser search and browsing.
2026-04-11: Headless browser mode.
2026-04-03: Searchable model picker.
2026-03-15: Extended thinking and reasoning across providers.
2026-03-09: Auto-delete chats after a set number of days.
2026-02-28: Custom OpenAI-compatible providers.
2026-02-25: Only Search When Requested.
2026-02-24: Image paste, attachment previews, PDF thumbnails.
2026-02-21: Siri and Shortcuts.
2026-02-20: Vercel AI Gateway and model filters.
2026-02-06: Voice Control, Larger Text, higher contrast.
2026-01-11: VoiceOver, Dynamic Type, keyboard navigation.
2026-01-06: OpenRouter integration.
THE DEAL
Core features are free. An optional Cumbersome Pro subscription adds advanced Project tools and supports ongoing development. You pay providers directly for API usage.
I'm Peter, an indie developer in Reno, Nevada, out among the high desert tumbleweed. No VC money. No growth hacking. Just a tool I wanted to exist.
Ratings & Reviews
This app has not received enough ratings or reviews to display an overview.
fix(project-files): accept valid filenames in Release builds
fix(mcp): explain elicitation compatibility and connection errors
fix(project-files): accept integer strings for pagination offsets
fix(project-files): preserve imported filenames when editing
Version 1.76.1
The developer, Folding Sky Co, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
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The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:
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The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:
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Infrequent Profanity or Crude Humour Mature or Suggestive Themes Horror/Fear Themes Medical Treatment Information Alcohol, Tobacco, Drug Use or References Guns or Other Weapons
