Apple is developing an AI-powered coding assistant for Xcode, working with AI startup Anthropic to integrate its Claude Sonnet model, Bloomberg reports. The tool will help developers write, edit, and test code directly inside Apple’s integrated development environment.
The tool is still in early internal testing. Apple has not yet decided if it will be available to the public. According to Bloomberg, developers using the updated Xcode will interact with the AI through a chat interface. The tool can assist with interface testing and bug fixing.
Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet model, known for advanced natural language understanding, is the engine behind the new AI feature. When asked for comment, Apple did not respond. Anthropic declined to provide details as well.
The project reflects a broader trend in the tech industry. Major companies are increasingly using AI to speed up software development. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently said that 20% to 30% of code in some internal projects was AI-generated.
Meanwhile, OpenAI is reportedly considering a $3 billion acquisition of Windsurf, another AI coding tool. The deal would strengthen ChatGPT’s capabilities in software development.
Apple has previously revealed plans for an AI coding assistant. At WWDC 2024, it announced “Swift Assist,” an in-development AI tool for Xcode. However, the feature has not yet launched.
This new collaboration with Anthropic could help Apple close the gap in the AI race. While companies like Microsoft and Google continue to expand their AI offerings, Apple has faced delays. Its upgraded version of Siri, announced in June 2024, has not rolled out. Apple admitted it needed more time to get the technology right.
In response to development challenges, oversight of Siri has shifted from AI chief John Giannandrea to Mike Rockwell, who previously led the Vision Pro project.
