[Feature request] 2025 Wishlist

[RogVok]

As we wrap up 2024, I decided to write a wishlist for the MLKit Team to make sure Google MLKit has its best year!

1. Ability to bundle models with the app.
   Currently, some API models (like Digital Ink) can't be bundled within the app. We have to ask users to download them additionally after installing the app (too much friction). It would be better to have an option to include the needed ML model in the app bundle (only the needed models, not all).

2. Support Apple Silicon.
   Currently, MLKit does not work with the Xcode Simulator on Apple Silicon devices.

3. Migrate from CocoaPods to SPM.
   Recently, the CocoaPods team announced that they are gradually closing the project: https://blog.cocoapods.org/CocoaPods-Specs-Repo/ and they won't accept new podspecs in 2026. We must migrate to Swift Package Manager.

I believe in you, MLKit team, keep up the great work, and thank you for all the work you have already done!