[antirez]

I see the efforts required to create the little app, but inference via llama.cpp or core Ml is trivial and the models are open weights, so it makes more sense to have a free app for this: most of the value is in the LLM which is free.

[scanny]

I think there is some cost associated with iPhone app development ($100-$300 plus submission costs), as opposed to android, when it comes to publishing, it seems fair enough for an individual to charge a dollar or two to recoup that.

[kccqzy]

I'd argue in this space besides the model weights, a lot of the value comes from a nice, not-too-fancy but nevertheless intuitive and delightful UI. I mean I've used the free MLC Chat app which runs Mistral 7B fine, and because it's free, I have very low expectations of its UI design. If someone is making a new app with a nicer UI, I really don't mind paying a buck or two.