Apple Collaborates with Anthropic to Develop AI-Powered ‘Vibe Coding’ Platform

Apple is partnering with Anthropic, an AI startup backed by Amazon, to develop a new AI-driven coding platform known as “vibe coding.”

Apple plans to deploy the software internally, with the company still undecided on a public launch.

A New Approach to Coding

• The core of the project lies in the integration of Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet AI model into Apple’s Xcode development environment.
• The goal is to enable the AI to write, edit, test, and debug code based on natural language instructions from developers — a method being dubbed “vibe coding.”
• Vibe coding allows programmers to shift from manual coding to a more collaborative workflow, using natural language prompts to instruct the AI.
• The AI, in turn, generates and refines code, tests user interfaces, and assists in bug detection and resolution.
• This approach is similar to tools offered by emerging companies like Windsurf and Anysphere, makers of AI-driven coding assistants.

Features and Deployment

• The AI-enhanced version of Xcode reportedly features a built-in chat interface that allows engineers to request code snippets, make changes, or run interface tests — all via conversational prompts.
• Traditionally time-consuming tasks such as UI testing and bug management could be significantly streamlined through this interface.
• Currently, Apple is using the software internally and has begun a limited rollout among its engineering teams.
• While a public launch has not yet been confirmed, sources indicate that a successful internal deployment could pave the way for a broader release to third-party developers, especially those building apps for iOS and macOS platforms.

Background and Strategic Shift

This is not Apple’s first venture into AI-assisted development. The company previously announced Swift Assist, its own AI coding companion for Xcode, intended for release in 2024.

However, the tool faced internal criticism for generating inaccurate results and slowing down the development process.

The new partnership with Anthropic reflects Apple’s recognition of the need for external expertise in building robust AI tools.

The timing of this announcement is notable, with Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) set to begin on June 9.

While it’s unclear whether vibe coding will feature prominently at the event, the collaboration positions Apple to compete more directly with Microsoft and Google, both of which have made significant investments in AI-powered developer tools.

News Gist

Apple is partnering with AI startup Anthropic to develop a new “vibe coding” platform by integrating Claude Sonnet into Xcode.

The AI-powered tool helps write, test, and debug code using natural language prompts.

Currently used internally, it could launch publicly depending on its success, possibly reshaping app development workflows.