What Is Core ML Tools?

What Is Core ML Tools?#

The coremltools Python package is the primary way to convert third-party models to Core ML. Core ML is an Apple framework to integrate machine learning models into your app.

For details about using the coremltools API classes and methods, see the coremltools API Reference.

Use Core ML Tools to convert models from third-party training libraries such as TensorFlow and PyTorch to the Core ML model package format. You can then use Core ML to integrate the models into your app.

Core ML Tools overview

Convert a third-party model to a Core ML model package file.#

With Core ML Tools you can:

  • Convert trained models from libraries and frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch to the Core ML model package format.

  • Read, write, and optimize Core ML models to use less storage space, reduce power consumption, and reduce latency during inference.

  • Verify creation and conversion by making predictions using Core ML in macOS.

Core ML provides a unified representation for all models. Your app uses Core ML APIs and user data to make predictions, and to fine-tune models, all on the user’s device. Running a model strictly on the user’s device removes any need for a network connection, which helps keep the user’s data private and your app responsive.

Core ML optimizes on-device performance by leveraging the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine (NE) while minimizing its memory footprint and power consumption.

Additional Resources#

  • The coremltools API Reference provides details about using the coremltools API classes and methods.

  • The Machine Learning page provides educational material, tutorials, guides, and documentation for Apple developers.

  • The ML & Vision session videos from the World Wide Developer Conference are a great place to start if you are new to machine learning technology and Core ML.

  • The Core ML documentation walks you through the first steps in developing an app with a machine learning model.

  • Try out coremltools in your browser with Binder: Binder

Supported Libraries and Frameworks#

You can convert trained models from the following libraries and frameworks to Core ML:

Model Family

Supported Packages

Neural Networks

TensorFlow 1 (1.14.0+), TensorFlow 2 (2.1.0+), PyTorch (1.13.0+)

Tree Ensembles

XGboost (1.1.0), scikit-learn (0.18.1)

Generalized Linear Models

scikit-learn (0.18.1)

Support Vector Machines

LIBSVM (3.22), scikit-learn (0.18.1)

Pipelines (pre- and post-processing)

scikit-learn (0.18.1)