Apple Developing AI 'Vibe-Coding' Assistant for Xcode With Anthropic [Report]

Apple is working with AI startup Anthropic to build a new "vibe-coding" version of Xcode that can help developers write, edit, and test code, according to a report from Bloomberg. The tool uses Anthropic's Claude Sonnet model and is currently being tested internally. Apple hasn't decided if or when it will make the new software available to third-party developers.

Sources say the updated Xcode includes a chat interface where developers can request code changes, test user interfaces, and manage bug fixes—tasks that are often slow and repetitive. Claude is regarded as one of the stronger large language models for programming work, and the integration signals a more aggressive push by Apple to bring generative AI into its development tools.

Apple had previously planned to launch its own coding assistant, Swift Assist, but never released it. Internally, engineers complained that the tool could hallucinate—generating inaccurate or made-up code—and sometimes slowed down app development. The Anthropic partnership suggests Apple is looking to strengthen its AI offerings by bringing in outside help, though both tools could eventually work together.

Spokespeople for Apple and Anthropic declined to comment on the report.

The move reflects Apple's increasing willingness to collaborate with external AI providers. While most "Apple Intelligence" features are powered by in-house models, the company already integrates OpenAI's ChatGPT with Siri and is expected to support Google's Gemini later this year.

The Claude-powered Xcode tool is being rolled out gradually to Apple engineers. If it proves successful internally, it may eventually be offered to the wider developer community that relies on Xcode to build apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple platforms.

With the company's Worldwide Developers Conference kicking off June 9, Apple may reveal more about its evolving AI strategy soon. Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for the latest updates.