Vanta is a new Markdown notes app for iPhone that runs AI entirely on-device, no cloud servers required. Built by developer Shane V. as an experiment with Apple's local Foundation models, the app combines note-taking with Getting Things Done productivity workflows. The project launched on Hacker News today and is available free on the App Store.

On-Device AI That Actually Stays Local

The core differentiator here is privacy architecture. Rather than sending your messy voice memos or half-formed ideas to some third-party API, Vanta processes everything using Apple's on-device Foundation models. Dictate a rambling thought, and watch it transform into clean Markdown in real-time. The AI can summarize content, suggest tags, and extract action items from your notes—all without an internet connection. For developers who have been burned by cloud-dependent "AI" features that stop working when connectivity drops, this is refreshing to see.

Full GTD Workflow Built In

Vanta doesn't just store notes—it implements David Allen's Getting Things Done methodology as a first-class feature set. The app opens to an inbox and Next Actions dashboard that's always one tap away. A "Clarify with AI" button processes your entire inbox, sorting items into categories like Next Actions, Waiting For, Someday/Maybe, Done, or Trash. You review the AI's suggestions and confirm or adjust them manually. A dedicated Weekly Review view surfaces stalled projects and outstanding wait states to keep nothing slipping through the cracks.

Your Data, Your Vault

Vanta starts with a completely local vault—no account creation, no server dependencies, no subscription fees. The app syncs with iCloud for convenience or lets you connect your own private GitHub repository for full data sovereignty. Files are stored as plain Markdown files compatible with Obsidian, including support for wikilinks, backlinks, syntax-highlighted code blocks, callouts, tables, and images.

Key Takeaways

  • Uses Apple's on-device Foundation models for AI features—no cloud API calls needed
  • Full GTD workflow: Capture, Clarify, Organize, Reflect, Engage
  • Local-first architecture with optional iCloud or private GitHub sync
  • Obsidian-compatible file format ensures portability and cross-platform editing
  • Completely free with no subscription lock-in