The way people build software is changing fast, and Apple doesn’t want to be left behind. A fresh report reveals the company is working with Anthropic, an AI firm with backing from Amazon, to bring a new kind of coding tool to its developer platform. This assistant will lean on Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet model to handle writing, refining, and checking code—letting programmers focus on bigger ideas instead of manual work.
The move shows Apple’s willingness to collaborate with outside AI experts as the race to reshape development heats up. Just weeks ago, rumors swirled that OpenAI was eyeing a multi-billion-dollar purchase of another coding-focused startup. The method at the center of this shift is called vibe coding, where engineers describe their goals in plain language, and AI turns those ideas into working code. It’s gaining traction as companies look for ways to speed up software creation and ease pressure on engineering teams.
Right now, smaller AI-driven firms are leading the charge, offering tools that let users skip traditional coding steps. But larger players are starting to take notice. Apple’s latest step involves integrating these capabilities into Xcode, its primary tool for developers, through the partnership with Anthropic.
This isn’t Apple’s first attempt at an AI coding helper. The company had previously teased Swift Assist, a feature expected to arrive this year, but it never saw the light of day. Reports suggest internal delays might have played a part. This time, Apple seems to be testing internally before deciding on a wider release. Neither Apple nor Anthropic has commented publicly on the collaboration.
The Claude Sonnet model behind the tool represents a shift in how code gets made—focusing on the intent behind it rather than rigid syntax. It’s part of a larger trend where AI handles more of the technical work, allowing human developers to think at a higher level. Anthropic has been making waves in this space with its Claude chatbot series, which rivals offerings from OpenAI and Meta.
Founded by ex-OpenAI researchers, the company has carved out a niche by prioritizing controllable and understandable AI systems. Apple’s move comes as AI coding assistants draw major interest industry-wide. Recent reports indicated OpenAI was considering a massive deal to buy another coding startup, while Apple has been upgrading its hardware to better support AI tasks, including deeper ties with tools like ChatGPT.
Whether Apple’s new assistant reaches everyday users or stays internal, one thing is certain: the next era of software development will rely heavily on machines that can write their own code—and the teams teaching them how.
Based in San Francisco, Anthropic has quickly risen as a key player in generative AI, challenging established names like OpenAI. Its Claude chatbot has shown strong performance across multiple applications. The company was launched in 2021 by former OpenAI leaders, including siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, who aimed to build AI systems that are easier to guide and understand. Before co-founding Anthropic, Daniela Amodei held a senior role focused on safety and policy at OpenAI.