Apple is reportedly collaborating with Anthropic, a startup backed by Amazon, to develop a new AI-powered software platform that can autonomously write, edit, and test code for developers, according to Bloomberg News. This initiative, referred to as “vibe coding,” involves AI agents handling various coding tasks — a concept that’s gaining momentum in the AI and developer communities.
The upcoming platform is said to be an enhanced version of Apple’s Xcode development environment, incorporating Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet AI model. While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed the project and Anthropic has declined to comment, sources suggest Apple is currently using the software internally and has not yet decided on a broader rollout.
This isn’t Apple’s first foray into AI-assisted development tools. The company had previously introduced “Swift Assist,” an AI-driven coding assistant for Xcode, intended for a 2024 release. However, it was never made available to the public due to internal concerns about potential negative impacts on app development efficiency.
The competition in the AI coding assistant space is heating up. Just last month, Bloomberg reported that OpenAI is exploring a $3 billion acquisition of Windsurf, a startup focused on generative AI coding tools.
As Apple continues to invest in on-device AI capabilities and more powerful processors, it’s also deepening its partnerships with leading AI firms to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving generative AI market. These efforts include features that allow Apple devices to utilize services like ChatGPT for user queries, reflecting a broader strategy to integrate cutting-edge AI across its ecosystem.
