Apple is partnering with startup Anthropic PBC to launch a “vibe-coding” software platform, leveraging AI to streamline coding tasks. The platform, an upgraded version of Apple’s Xcode programming software, will incorporate Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet model to autonomously write, edit, and test code for developers.
Apple will roll out the software internally and hasn’t yet decided whether to launch it publicly, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the initiative hasn’t been announced.
The work shows how Apple is using AI to improve its internal workflow, aiming to speed up and modernize product development. The approach is similar to one used by companies such as Windsurf and Cursor maker Anysphere, which offer advanced AI coding assistants popular with software developers…
Last year, Apple announced its own AI-powered coding tool for Xcode called Swift Assist. The company had intended to roll it out in 2024 but never actually shipped it to developers. Internally, engineers have complained that the company’s own system could hallucinate — or make up information — and even slow down app development. The Anthropic partnership is an acknowledgment that Apple could use some outside help, though the two systems could ultimately work together…
The move reflects Apple’s greater willingness to partner with others after struggling to develop homegrown technology. So far, the company has shied away from third-party models — aside from a deal with OpenAI’s ChatGPT that can fulfill queries in the Siri virtual assistant. Apple is expected to add Gemini from Alphabet Inc.’s Google as an alternative to ChatGPT later this year.
The rest of the Apple Intelligence platform, which includes features like custom emoji, writing tools and organizing notifications, uses models developed by the company internally. Apple raced to create the capabilities after it was caught flat-footed by the generative AI frenzy more than two years ago.
MacDailyNews Take: Luckily, Apple has the money to catch up to things it’s missed, including even something as big as GenAI. Expect to hear more about the next-gen Xcode next month at WWDC.
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