Last week, Bloomberg reported that Apple is in the process of developing an AI tool aimed at assisting software developers by automatically suggesting code completions. This new feature is anticipated to be on par with Microsoft’s GitHub ‘Copilot’ and is likely to be integrated into Apple’s Xcode software development environment later this year.
Although Xcode itself is free for developers, Apple requires a yearly fee of $99 for app distribution through its app store. The AI-driven code completion tool is currently undergoing internal testing at Apple and is expected to be shared with third-party developers in the near future.
The Significance: According to Bloomberg’s report, this AI-based code completion tool is just one aspect of Apple’s broader initiative to incorporate AI across its product lineup. Craig Federighi, Apple’s software chief, has reportedly encouraged employees to integrate various new AI components into the upcoming iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 updates. This could potentially include features like automatic playlist creation in Apple Music, slide deck generation in presentation software, and enhancements to the ‘Spotlight’ search functionality for deeper app integration.
Apple’s Motivation: Apple’s move to develop this AI-powered coding tool reflects its commitment to stay competitive in the AI space and provide developers with advanced tools for app creation. As competitors like Google and Microsoft invest heavily in generative AI technologies, Apple aims to elevate its capabilities in areas such as programming assistance, content creation, intelligent search, and customization. Despite Apple’s official response to the report, the development of this AI tool underscores the company’s dedication to integrating AI into its ecosystem and enhancing its software development tools.