Apple is partnering with Anthropic, an Amazon-backed AI startup, to develop a next-generation coding platform powered by artificial intelligence, according to a report by Bloomberg News. The platform, currently under development, aims to significantly enhance software creation by enabling AI to write, edit, and test code autonomously.
This new tool, described as a “vibe-coding” system, will allow AI agents to generate and optimize code with minimal human intervention — a concept gaining increasing traction across the global tech landscape.
Claude Sonnet Model to Power Upgraded Xcode
The new AI system will reportedly be built as an upgraded version of Apple’s existing Xcode development environment. As per Bloomberg, the platform will integrate Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet model, an advanced AI technology designed to assist developers in creating more efficient and error-free code.
Anthropic declined to comment on the collaboration, while Apple has yet to respond to Reuters’ inquiries regarding the development.
Internal Deployment First, Broader Launch Uncertain
According to Bloomberg’s sources, Apple plans to deploy the new AI-powered coding tool internally before making any decision on a broader public release.
Apple had previously announced “Swift Assist,” an AI feature for Xcode targeted for a 2024 launch. However, Swift Assist was ultimately not released, reportedly due to internal concerns that it might slow down app development processes.
The integration of Anthropic’s technology is seen as a renewed push by Apple to strengthen its position in the fast-evolving AI development space.
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Growing Competition in AI-Assisted Coding
The move comes amid heightened competition in the AI-assisted coding segment. Bloomberg recently reported that OpenAI is exploring the acquisition of Windsurf, an AI-driven coding tool startup, for approximately $3 billion, signalling intensifying competition among tech giants for dominance in this critical AI application area.
For Apple, this collaboration with Anthropic reflects a broader strategy of partnering with specialized AI firms to boost the intelligence of its devices and services. The company has already equipped its hardware with more powerful AI-capable chips and introduced integrations like summoning OpenAI’s ChatGPT to assist users.
Strategic Implications for Apple
Experts suggest that partnerships like these could help Apple tap into emerging developer demands for smarter, faster coding tools, while also ensuring that its ecosystem remains at the forefront of technological innovation.
Apple’s AI efforts are increasingly focused on enhancing real-world productivity for developers, businesses, and consumers alike — a shift that could shape the next generation of software development.
