Windsurf Unveils SWE-1: In-House AI Models for Software Engineering
On May 15, 2025, Windsurf, a leading startup in the vibe coding, announced the launch of its proprietary AI model family— SWE-1, SWE-1-lite, and SWE-1-mini — to be optimized for the “entire software engineering process,” not just coding.
This Launched marking a significant shift from reliance on external AI providers to developing in-house solutions tailored for the entire software engineering lifecycle.
Key features
SWE-1, SWE-1-lite, and SWE-1-mini are designed to assist not only in code generation but also in tasks such as debugging, project management, and maintaining context across complex workflows.
Windsurf claims that SWE-1 performs competitively with models like Claude 3.5 Sonnet, GPT-4.1, and Gemini 2.5 Pro on internal programming benchmarks, though it may not yet match the capabilities of the latest frontier models like Claude 3.7 Sonnet in certain tasks.
Windsurf says its SWE-1-lite and SWE-1-mini models will be available for all users on its platform, free or paid. Meanwhile, SWE-1 will only be available to paid users.
Windsurf did not immediately announce pricing for its SWE-1 models but claims it’s cheaper to serve than Claude 3.5 Sonnet.
Background
The introduction of SWE-1 is part of Windsurf’s broader strategy to control the full stack of its AI offerings, enhancing integration and performance within its platform.
This move comes amid reports of OpenAI’s agreement to acquire Windsurf for approximately $3 billion, highlighting the growing importance of specialized AI tools in software development.
News Gist
On May 15, 2025, Windsurf launched its in-house AI models—SWE-1, SWE-1-lite, and SWE-1-mini—designed to streamline the entire software engineering process.
These models assist with coding, debugging, and project management.
The move marks a shift from external AI reliance and follows reports of OpenAI’s $3 billion acquisition deal.
HTC Launches AI-Powered Vive Eagle Smart Glasses
Google Launches “Flight Deals” on Google Flights
Google Teams Up with NASA on AI “Space Doctor”
Microsoft Launches Copilot 3D – AI Turns Photos into 3D Models
Sam Altman Launches Merge Labs to Rival Neuralink
