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(Bloomberg) -- Apple Inc. is teaming up with startup Anthropic PBC on a new “vibe-coding” software platform that will use artificial intelligence to write, edit and test code on behalf of programmers.
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The system is a new version of Xcode, Apple’s programming software, that will integrate Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet model, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Apple will roll out the software internally and hasn’t yet decided whether to launch it publicly, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the initiative hasn’t been announced.
The work shows how Apple is using AI to improve its internal workflow, aiming to speed up and modernize product development. The approach is similar to one used by companies such as Windsurf and Cursor maker Anysphere, which offer advanced AI coding assistants popular with software developers.
In the early days of generative artificial intelligence, Apple had been resistant to using AI for the creation of software that was bound for consumers. But with recent advancements in large language models — a foundation of generative AI — Apple is changing its tune.
Last year, Apple announced its own AI-powered coding tool for Xcode called Swift Assist. The company had intended to roll it out in 2024 but never actually shipped it to developers. Internally, engineers have complained that the company’s own system could hallucinate — or make up information — and even slow down app development. The Anthropic partnership is an acknowledgment that Apple could use some outside help, though the two systems could ultimately work together.
Among all of the major large language models, Anthropic’s Claude is known as one of the best when it comes to programming. The new Apple tool includes a chat interface where programmers can type in requests for code or alterations, according to the people. It also can test user interfaces, a process that is often cumbersome when done manually, as well as help manage the process of finding and fixing bugs.
Spokespeople for Apple and Anthropic declined to comment.
The move reflects Apple’s greater willingness to partner with others after struggling to develop homegrown technology. So far, the company has shied away from third-party models — aside from a deal with OpenAI’s ChatGPT that can fulfill queries in the Siri virtual assistant. Apple is expected to add Gemini from Alphabet Inc.’s Google as an alternative to ChatGPT later this year.