Apple is using Anthropic’s AI models to build a “vibe-coding” software platform for programming. However, it may limit this platform for internal use, never releasing it publicly.
The Cupertino giant will partner with the young AI startup on this project.
Apple partners with Anthropic for a vibe-coding platform
Companies are increasingly relying on AI to boost the efficiency of their programmers. Apple wants to jump on the same bandwagon by building a programming software that heavily uses AI to write, edit, and test code.
Bloomberg reports that the “system is a new version of Xcode, Apple’s programming software, that will integrate Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet model.”
While ChatGPT, Gemini, and other AI models can also code, Anthropic’s Claude stands out for its programming prowess.
The report reveals that Apple’s new AI-powered tool features a chat-based interface that allows developers to generate new or modify existing code. More importantly, it can test user interfaces to find bugs and other issues, saving developers from doing boring, tedious tasks.
The move would be a stark change in Apple’s stance on using AI for building software. In the initial days of generative AI, the company was not in favor of using it for coding. However, given the advancements and efficiency improvements it brings, the Cupertino giant seems to have adopted a softer stance.
If Apple finds serious efficiency gains and improvements with its new AI-powered coding tool, it may eventually roll out the platform to the public.
Besides Apple, Anthropic already works with Amazon, powering its new Alexa+ voice assistant.
What happened to Swift Assist?
The report also highlights that Apple announced an AI-powered coding companion, Swift Assist, at WWDC24.
Almost a year later, though, it’s yet to launch. That’s because Apple engineers found Swift Assist hallucinating and making up information, thereby slowing down the overall app development process.
Apple may share an update on Swift Assist at WWDC25, assuming it resolves all outstanding issues in time.
