Apple is teaming up with Anthropic to build a new AI-powered “vibe-coding” software platform that leverages generative AI to write, edit, and test code for programmers, according to a new report from Bloomberg. The new platform is built on an updated version of Apple’s Xcode development environment and integrates Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet model, which is widely praised among developers for its advanced coding capabilities.
Apple is currently rolling out the updated version of Xcode internally, and while a public release is not confirmed, it remains on the table if internal testing proves successful. This move reflects a larger shift in Apple’s AI approach. The company, long known for its in-house development philosophy, is now increasingly leaning on external partners to keep pace with the rapid evolution of generative AI.
Anthropic’s Claude model has earned a strong reputation for code generation, with many developers using it on coding-focused platforms like Cursor and Windsurf. Apple’s decision to integrate Claude Sonnet into Xcode signals a deeper investment in AI-driven developer tools. The new Xcode offers a chat-based interface, allowing engineers to generate code, test user interfaces, and debug applications more efficiently.
This isn’t Apple’s first foray into AI-assisted development tools. At WWDC 2024, the company announced Swift Assist, an AI-powered coding companion for Xcode. However, the tool has yet to be released due to internal concerns. Apple engineers reportedly found that Swift Assist generated inaccurate suggestions and occasionally slowed down app development workflows. The Claude integration could serve as a significant improvement or even a replacement for Swift Assist, boosting Apple’s AI development efforts.
Apple’s AI strategy now includes multiple partnerships. OpenAI’s ChatGPT is already integrated into iOS 18 through Apple Intelligence, and Google’s Gemini could become another option. In China, Apple is working with Baidu and Alibaba to meet regional requirements. These moves suggest a more open and flexible AI roadmap ahead of the company’s WWDC 2025 event on June 9.
(via Bloomberg)