Taking your AI to the edge with .NET MAUI | OD803
Gerald Versluis explains how .NET MAUI developers can bring AI to the edge using local, on-device models across mobile and desktop, and where cloud AI still fits. He also covers .NET MAUI focus areas and features in .NET 10, plus what’s coming in .NET 11.
Overview
This Microsoft Build 2026 session focuses on building cross-platform apps with .NET MAUI and adding AI capabilities that run locally on-device (“edge AI”), with discussion of when cloud AI is still appropriate.
Key themes called out in the session description and chapter list include:
AI at the edge for .NET MAUI apps
- Using local models and on-device capabilities across mobile and desktop
- Trade-offs and considerations around privacy, performance, and user experience (UX)
- Understanding the role of cloud AI alongside on-device AI
.NET MAUI and Blazor Hybrid
- Overview of .NET MAUI and Blazor Hybrid capabilities for cross-platform development
AI-assisted development workflows
- How the .NET MAUI team uses Copilot for AI-enhanced development
- “Agentic workflows” and tooling mentioned in the description, including DevFlow
.NET MAUI 10 focus areas and features
- Focus areas: stability, performance, and XAML enhancements
- New features mentioned in the chapters:
- SafeArea API
- Android Material 3
- Ongoing service releases
What’s coming in .NET 11
- Items mentioned in the chapters:
- CoreCLR improvements
- Simplified CLI
- New controls
- Items mentioned in the chapters:
Ecosystem and community
- Community involvement (e.g., MAUI Days, MAUIverse)
- Partnerships expanding MAUI, including Syncfusion, Uno Platform, and Avalonia