---
title: "When to use Core ML"
lesson_id: "02"
---

# When to use Core ML

- **Lesson ID:** 02
- **Goal:** State the Core ML job, the `.mlmodel` artifact, coremltools, OS reach below 27, and that Apple has not announced deprecation.
- **Human lesson:** [02-core-ml-when.html](02-core-ml-when.html)

## Prerequisites

- Lesson 01, or a clear split between the three names.

## Inputs, outputs, and artifacts

- **Inputs:** A trained classic ML model and an app OS target.
- **Outputs:** When to pick Core ML, and when to leave it.
- **Artifacts:** Progressive `.flow` diagrams and a short `coremltools` sketch.

## Agent build steps

1. Define Core ML as Apple's older tool for putting a trained model in an app.
2. Name the convert path: Core ML Tools / `coremltools` writes a `.mlmodel`.
3. Say the OS picks much of the CPU, GPU, or Neural Engine path.
4. List the fit: older OS than 27, classifiers, tree models, and other classic ML.
5. Say Apple still maintains Core ML and has not announced deprecation. Apple's machine learning page sends generative and LLM work to Core AI.
6. Link the three sibling courses.

## Constraints

Do not invent a deprecation date. Do not invent Swift Core ML call names. Keep language literal. No quizzes, Mermaid, or em dashes.

## Key concepts

- Core ML is Apple's older tool for running a trained model in an iOS or macOS app.
- Convert with `coremltools`. The usual file is `.mlmodel`. The app loads it through the Core ML framework.
- After the file is in the app, the OS picks much of the run path.
- Good fit: OS older than 27, classic ML jobs, or an existing Core ML file that already works.
- Apple has not announced that Core ML is deprecated.

## Takeaways

- You can describe trained model to `coremltools` to `.mlmodel` to the Core ML framework.
- You can say when Core ML is the right pick.
- You can say when to leave Core ML for Core AI on OS 27 or later.

## Acceptance checks

- `.mlmodel` and `coremltools` are named.
- Older OS reach and classic ML jobs are stated.
- The page says Core ML is still maintained.
- Sibling links, progressive `.flow` diagrams, and an Agent brief link are present.
- [ ] Proceed to [lesson 03 brief](03-core-ai-when.llms.md).