About Tag Your Photos
Tag Your Photos is a macOS application that writes AI-generated keywords directly into the Apple Photos library. It runs the Gemma 4 12B vision model entirely on-device via Apple's MLX framework, without uploading images to the cloud. The keywords it adds become searchable system-wide through Spotlight, including from the iPhone and iPad home screen.
Review
Tag Your Photos takes a different approach from most AI photo taggers. Instead of relying on cloud APIs or a separate interface, it works inside the existing Photos library and keeps all processing local. The result is a straightforward keyword layer that integrates with Apple's built-in search.
Key Features
- On-device processing with a 5-bit quantized Gemma 4 12B model running via Apple MLX - no cloud calls, no uploads.
- Direct access to the Photos library; no exporting, no duplicate images, and keywords are written back in place.
- Keywords appear in Spotlight, making photos searchable outside the app and from iPhone/iPad home screens.
- The model stays general when uncertain, avoiding falsely specific guesses (e.g., labeling a bird simply as "bird" rather than guessing a species).
- Bundles the full model in the initial download - no separate model download or internet connection needed after installation.
Pricing and Value
The developer lists the app as "Payment Required," but the exact pricing model is not publicly detailed on the Product Hunt listing. A one-time free redemption code was available for early users, valid until August 15. Whether the app will be a one-time purchase or follow another model is currently undefined.
Pros
- All processing stays on the Mac, so photos never leave the device.
- Works natively with the Apple Photos library - no import/export steps or duplicate media.
- Spotlight integration makes keywords usable across the Apple ecosystem, not just inside the app.
- The conservative tagging approach reduces the chance of incorrect, overly specific labels.
Cons
- The 7.9 GB download size can be a drawback for users with limited storage or slow internet.
- Not suitable for Windows or Linux users, as the app is macOS-only and depends on Apple's MLX framework.
- The model's reluctance to make specific guesses may produce generic keywords, missing finer details some users want.
Tag Your Photos fits well for Mac photographers who want automatic, private keyword tagging that integrates with the tools they already use. The Spotlight connection and on-device model make it a practical option for those who avoid cloud services and already rely on Apple's photo management. It's less likely to appeal to users on other platforms or those who need highly specific labels for every image.
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