Does InOrbit cost money?
InOrbit is a free app with no ads or in-app purchases. While certain AI models cost money to use, InOrbit gives access to more than a dozen totally free options!
What's the point of InOrbit?
I made InOrbit for a simple reason: no single AI model is perfect. By combining some of the best models into one "World," they can do more together than they could do alone. InOrbit allows models to find out their own blind spots and reason about them with other advanced models. It's also just fun to watch two chatbots argue with each other.
Which AI models can I use in InOrbit?
InOrbit gives you access to over 300 different AI models through OpenRouter, which supports nearly all of the latest and greatest LLMs from labs like Anthropic, OpenAI, xAI, Google DeepMind, and dozens of other providers. OpenRouter's supported models can change without notice, and InOrbit shows an up-to-date list of every model they have available right from the app. You can also see the list here.
Do you have access to my messages?
No. Never. InOrbit passes your messages directly to OpenRouter, and the messages you send and receive are never viewed, stored, or collected by us. If you choose to enable iCloud syncing, InOrbit will store a copy of your data in your private iCloud account, which only you can access. OpenRouter also does not store your messages. See their privacy policy for the latest.
What devices can I use InOrbit on?
InOrbit is available on any device that can run iOS, iPadOS, or macOS 26 or newer. Apple Intelligence (see all supported devices) gives you access to several enhancements and additional features, but it's not required to use InOrbit.
How do I get started?
When you first open InOrbit, you'll walk through a quick setup. Pick a display name, choose your theme and colors, and sign in with Apple. Signing in gives you instant access to free AI models with no extra steps. You can skip anything and come back to it in Settings later.
What are Worlds?
A World is a group conversation with one or more AI models. Think of it like a group chat, except your friends are chatbots. You pick which models join, send a message, and they respond, either one at a time (Round Robin) or only when someone @mentions them (Reactive).
What is Orb?
Orb is InOrbit's built-in AI companion. It has its own tab, its own personality, and it can even automatically join new Worlds you create, if you want!
Do I need my own API key?
Not to get started. When you sign in with Apple, InOrbit provisions a free API key for you automatically. If you want access to premium models, you can add your own OpenRouter API key in Settings at any time. Making a key and adding credits is easy, and only takes a few minutes at openrouter.ai.
What is Maestro Mode?
Maestro Mode lets the AI models in your World talk to each other without you typing anything. Send one message to kick things off, and they'll @mention each other to keep the conversation going: up to 25 turns by default, or until they run out of things to say. It's great for brainstorming, debates, or just seeing what happens. Have fun experimenting with Maestro Mode! Some models play along better than others 👀.
How do @mentions work?
Type @ in the composer to tag a specific model. In Reactive mode, only the model you mention will respond. That model can tag another one to keep the conversation going. You're in control of how many messages models can send back-and-forth. In Maestro Mode, models mention each other to keep the conversation flowing. If nobody gets mentioned, the conversation pauses until you chime in.
What is Maximum Fidelity Mode (MFM)?
Maximum Fidelity Mode keeps all messages from your World in context, which helps the conversation progress without getting lost, but it can also increase costs if there are a lot of messages or if you're using pricey models. Normally, models see the last 20 messages for context. You can enable MFM globally or per-World in settings.
Can I save a World setup and reuse it?
Yes! World Presets let you save a World's participants and settings as a template. Next time you create a World, you can start from a preset instead of picking models one by one. Manage your presets in Settings.
What data does InOrbit collect?
Only what it needs to run properly. Your conversations stay on your device (and in your encrypted iCloud storage, if you enable it). Our backend only stores your Apple ID identifier and an encrypted API key — no message content, no usage logs, no analytics. Optional Cloud Voice sends only the message you choose to read aloud directly to OpenRouter/model providers for AI-generated speech. Not even your real email address or name is stored by our backend.
How do I delete my account?
Go to Settings → Account → Delete Account, or visit micah.chat/inorbit/delete-account from any browser. To protect you from accidental deletion, you'll need to re-authenticate with Apple. Deletion is permanent. Your account, server-side data, and API key are wiped permanently. Nobody at micah.chat can recover a deleted InOrbit account.
Is my API key secure?
Yes. Your provisioned key is encrypted at rest on the server using Fernet encryption, and stored on your device's Keychain. It's never sent anywhere except directly to OpenRouter. We cannot help you recover your personal OpenRouter API key if you lose it; InOrbit can only retrieve free-tier keys.
What happens to my data if I uninstall?
Your local conversations are gone unless you exported them or had iCloud Sync enabled. If you reinstall and sign in with Apple again, InOrbit can recover your free API key automatically.
How does iCloud Sync work?
Sync is off by default. Turn it on in Settings → Data, and InOrbit will keep your Worlds and Contacts in sync across all your Apple devices via CloudKit. The app syncs continuously while open, and you can tap "Sync Now" to force an update. Turning sync off is non-destructive — your local data stays put.
How do I export my conversations?
Go to Settings → Data → Export. You can export all Worlds as JSON (for backup and re-import), PDF (for a readable transcript), or copy to clipboard. Exports include messages, participants, reactions, and settings. Attachments are referenced by metadata but the binary files aren't included.
Can I import a backup onto another device?
Yes. Use Settings → Data → Import Worlds, pick your JSON file, and InOrbit shows a preview with conflict detection. You can merge with existing data, replace conflicts, or replace everything. It's the same format the export produces, so everything's seamless.
Why can't I see certain AI models?
If you're on the free tier, InOrbit only shows models that are confirmed free on OpenRouter. Some models also get deprecated by their providers over time. Adding your own API key in Settings unlocks the full 300+ model catalog.
Why isn't iCloud Sync working?
Make sure you're signed into iCloud in your device's Settings and have available storage. InOrbit shows sync status and errors in Settings → Data. You can tap the error message for technical details. Transient errors (like a network blip) retry automatically.
A model isn't responding. What should I do?
Some models go offline temporarily on OpenRouter's side or take too long to respond. Try sending your message to a different model, or wait a few minutes and retry. If you're attaching an image, try re-uploading it. Some models are picky about image formats, and InOrbit will auto-convert when it can. If you're consistently running into an issue with a specific model, send us an email and we'll look into it!