Mirage is the most demanding part of Nimbus because image models are large, varied, and sometimes messy. Recent updates make Mirage more honest about readiness: which model fits your device, what still needs to download, and which runtime will actually generate the image.
Better first choices
On iPhone and iPad, Mirage now recommends smaller Core ML image models before heavier SDXL options. That gives new users a better first run: less waiting, less storage pressure, and a higher chance that the first generation works.
Mac users still see larger SDXL options when the hardware can handle them. Nimbus is not removing advanced models; it is sorting the list around the device in front of you.
Fewer half-installed models
Mirage now checks the important pieces of a model before marking it ready. If a download is interrupted, Retry can complete the missing setup files. Verify Install can also repair some incomplete installs or tell you exactly when the model needs to be removed and downloaded again.
Cleaner runtime matching
Different image models need different engines. Some are Core ML bundles, some are sd.cpp checkpoints, and some need MLX-style layouts. Mirage now does more validation before routing a prompt so a model is less likely to look mounted while the wrong engine is waiting behind it.
How to get the best Mirage results
- Start with a recommended model for your device before trying the largest SDXL option.
- Keep the app open during the first install of a large image model when you can.
- Use Verify Install if generation stays on "Preparing model."
- Use shorter prompts while testing a new model, then add style and composition details once it is generating reliably.
Gallery and Mac parity
The Mirage gallery and Mac model flow also received polish. Generated images are easier to inspect, Mac and iOS model pickers behave more consistently, and Quick can hand a simple prompt into Mirage when you want a fast generation from the keyboard.
The result should feel less like managing an image pipeline and more like using a creative tool that happens to run locally.
Tagged Mirage · Published Jun 18, 2026 · Open the Mirage overview · Back to all posts