iOS and macOS API Client for ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini
I built Cumbersome mostly for my own work, but you can use it too. It is a free API client for OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, and Google Gemini that gives you direct access to their flagship models like GPT-5.1, Claude Sonnet 4.5, and Gemini 3 Pro on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
I was tired of ChatGPT's chat bubbles, Claude's usage limits, and Gemini's clunky web interface. So I built what I actually wanted. A proper workspace with document-style editing. Full control over model parameters. Private iCloud sync across all my devices.
I called it Cumbersome because it is the manual transmission of AI. Yes, you have to get your own API keys and understand what you are doing. But that extra effort gives you the kind of control that makes the difference between being a passenger and white-knuckling a Mustang GT through the mean streets of San Fran in Bullitt. Who doesn't want to be Steve McQueen?
$ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude auto-route to cheaper models to save money. They cap your usage. They charge $20/month whether you use them once or a thousand times.
$Cumbersome is free. You pay OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google directly for your own API access.
$With direct API access, you pay per token. For typical usage, this costs much less than the monthly subscription fees. No limits. No downgrading. Real GPT-5.1, real Claude Sonnet 4.5, real Gemini 3 Pro, not watered-down versions.
RECENT UPDATES
December 2025
Restart from Message
Long-press any message to restart the conversation from that point. Try different approaches without losing context.
Quick Prompt
Press Option+Space from any app. A floating prompt appears, you get an instant response. Zero friction.
Pinned Conversations
Pin important chats to the top of your sidebar. Keep your most-used conversations always accessible.
PDF & Image Analysis
Attach PDFs, images, and documents. Let AI analyze, summarize, or answer questions about your files.
Raw API Response
View the full API response for any message. See tokens, metadata, and raw JSON for transparency.
Background Execution
Switch apps while AI is responding. Your chat keeps running in the background and finishes.
Arbitrary Parameters
Send any API parameter to any provider. Temperature, max tokens, new features. No waiting for UI updates.
Quick New Chat
Long-press Send to start a new chat instantly. Skip the extra tap when you want a fresh conversation.
I did not design this to be simple, and that was on purpose. You will manage API keys, see technical parameters, and need to understand model differences. If you want AI to "just work," consumer apps are probably a better fit.
See It in Action
No hand-holding. No dumbed-down interfaces. Just raw power in your pocket.
Face/Off Mode
3 responses, AI judge picks the winner. Get the best answer, first try.
Pick Flagship Models
No auto-routing to cheaper models. You choose. You control.
Liquid Glass Design
Beautiful interface built for iOS/macOS 26 Tahoe. Real workspace.
Your Keys, Your Data
Direct API access. Zero middlemen. Complete transparency.
Arbitrary Parameters
Send any API parameter. Advanced control without waiting for updates.
Private iCloud Sync
Your chats follow you everywhere. Zero data on our servers.
Why Cumbersome Beats ChatGPT, Claude & Gemini
Same flagship models. Direct API access. Features the big guys will never build.
Pay for What You Use
Subscriptions charge the same whether you use AI once or a thousand times. With your own API keys, you pay per token. Light users save money. Heavy users get unlimited access.
Best Answer, First Try
ChatGPT gives you one shot. If it sucks, you rewrite and retry. Face/Off Mode generates 3 responses, then an AI judge picks the winner. Quality over trial-and-error.
No Secret Downgrading
Consumer apps secretly route to cheaper models to save money. With direct API access, you get exactly the model you choose. No bait-and-switch. No watered-down versions.
More Power Features
Edit Conversations
Benefit: Better context, better responses
We Never See Your Data
Benefit: Zero server storage. iPhone, iPad, Mac.
Compare & Ensemble
Benefit: Best model for the job
Arbitrary API Parameters
Benefit: No artificial restrictions
Liquid Glass Design
Benefit: Real workspace, not a messenger app
Know What You Actually Pay
Benefit: No hidden usage, no surprise bills
Who This Is For
Cumbersome is not for everyone. That is the point.
Frustrated With
Consumer apps that secretly downgrade to cheaper models while charging premium prices
Monthly fees that hide true usage costs and limit your access
Interfaces that hide technical details, treating you like a child
Companies that collect your conversations to train competitors
Waiting months for consumer apps to support the latest models
Power Users
Who want API-level control without building from scratch
Comparing model performance across providers
Working across iPhone, iPad, and Mac with seamless sync
Requiring cost transparency and usage analytics
Who believes "simplified" AI interfaces are "dumbed-down"
$ Complexity enables capability. We embrace that.
I also enjoy growing dahlias in Beaverton, Oregon
Built by Me (Peter)
I am a bootstrapper who has spent 30 years building products that solve real problems.
Since 1994, I have led three companies from startup to acquisition (Cybersight, Followerwonk, Fluxguard) and built Starbucks' global digital product organization.
One person. No VC money. No growth hacking. I build these apps because I want tools that respect power users.
Ready to Ditch the AI Subscription Trap?
100% free app. Your own API keys. Same flagship models as consumer subscriptions. Zero corporate middlemen. Download now for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.