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Getting Started with Clarissa for Apple

Clarissa is available as a native iOS, macOS, and watchOS application, built with SwiftUI and featuring Apple's Liquid Glass design language. This guide will help you get up and running.

Requirements

  • iOS 26+ on iPhone or iPad
  • macOS 26+ (Tahoe) on Mac
  • watchOS 26+ on Apple Watch (companion app)
  • Apple Silicon device with Apple Intelligence enabled (for on-device AI)
  • Xcode 26 beta (for building from source)

Installation Options

App Store (Recommended)

Clarissa is available on the App Store for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

  1. Open the Clarissa AI App Store page
  2. Tap "Get" to download and install

TestFlight Beta

Want early access to upcoming features? Join the TestFlight beta for preview builds.

  1. Install TestFlight from the App Store
  2. Open the Clarissa TestFlight invite link
  3. Tap "Accept" to join the beta
  4. Install Clarissa from TestFlight

Build from Source

For developers who want to build and run locally:

git clone https://github.com/cameronrye/clarissa.git
cd clarissa/apple/Clarissa
open Package.swift

This opens the project in Xcode. Select your target device and click Run (⌘R).

Initial Setup

Clarissa welcome screen on iPhone
Welcome screen with template picker

When you first launch Clarissa, you'll be guided through a quick onboarding process:

  1. Apple Intelligence — Enable on-device AI if your device supports it
  2. OpenRouter API Key — Optionally add your API key for cloud model access
  3. Permissions — Grant microphone access for voice input (optional)

Choosing Your AI Provider

Provider settings on iPhone
AI provider settings

Apple Intelligence (On-Device)

The default and recommended option. Your conversations are processed entirely on your device using Apple Foundation Models. This requires:

  • Apple Silicon (M1 or later on Mac, A17 Pro or later on iPhone/iPad)
  • Apple Intelligence enabled in System Settings
  • iOS 26+ or macOS 26+

Note: On-device AI supports up to 10 tools per session (best results with 4-5). Clarissa intelligently prioritizes tools. For more complex workflows, consider using cloud providers. If Foundation Models encounters an error, a banner will suggest switching to OpenRouter.

OpenRouter (Cloud)

For access to 100+ models including Claude, GPT-4, and more. Requires an API key from OpenRouter.

To configure:

  1. Open Settings (gear icon or ⌘,)
  2. Enter your OpenRouter API key
  3. Select your preferred model

Your First Conversation

Calendar conversation
Calendar
Weather conversation
Weather
Reminder conversation
Reminders

Once setup is complete, you can start a conversation in several ways:

  1. Type a message — Tap the text field and type your question
  2. Use voice input — Tap the microphone button and speak
  3. Pick a template — Choose from Morning Briefing, Meeting Prep, Research Mode, or Quick Math in the empty-state picker
  4. Run a tool chain — Execute a multi-step workflow like Daily Digest or Travel Prep from the chain picker
  5. Share from another app — Use the Share Extension to send text, URLs, or images to Clarissa

Clarissa will respond with streaming text. If tools are required (like fetching a URL or checking your calendar), you'll see step-by-step progress in the chat and Dynamic Island.

Setting Up Automation

After you're comfortable with conversations, explore automation in Settings:

  • Tool chains — Create or customize multi-step workflows that pipe data between tools
  • Scheduled check-ins — Get a notification with your Daily Digest every morning
  • Automation triggers — Run chains based on time, location, or Focus mode
  • Shortcuts actions — Use Clarissa's 8 tools directly in the Shortcuts app
  • Widgets — Add the Morning Briefing or Memory Spotlight widget to your Home Screen

Next Steps

  • Explore Features to learn about templates, Siri Shortcuts, export, and more
  • Check the FAQ for troubleshooting and tips