All tests run on an 8-year-old MacBook Air. All results from shipping 7 Mac apps as a solo developer. No sponsored opinion. "Offline-first" gets thrown around a lot. For a Tauri desktop app, it has a specific meaning — and it's not complicated. Here's what I mean when I say my apps are offline-first, and how I built it. What offline-first means for a desktop app A desktop app is already local by default. The question is what happens when it needs external resources — AI APIs, sync endpoints, update servers. Offline-first means: the app is fully functional without any network connection. Network access enhances the experience; it doesn't enable it. For my apps: HiyokoAutoSync: syncs files when ADB device is connected. No internet required. PDF Vault: all PDF operations run locally. Gemini OCR is optional enhancement. HiyokoHelper: all history, caching, and UI runs locally. AI analysis requires network. The distinction: required vs optional network. The practical implementation Local-first data.…