Apple is developing an updated version of Xcode that will boast an AI tool for generating app code, reports Bloomberg. The AI tool is reportedly similar to GitHub Copilot from Microsoft, which can generate code based on a user’s natural language requests, while also being able to convert code from one development language to another. The move will simplify the programming process for software development, potentially saving time and money.
The Xcode AI tool will have the ability to use artificial intelligence to predict and complete blocks of code, streamlining the app development process. Apple is currently testing the functionality and has plans for a release to third-party software developers “as early as this year.”
Apple is also testing AI-generated code for testing apps, and the company is pushing some engineers to try these new AI features internally to make sure they work properly before releasing them to outside developers.
Xcode’s artificial intelligence capabilities will join several other AI features that Apple is working on, and plans to add to Siri and several other built-in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS apps.
Bloomberg says Apple software chief Craig Federighi has asked employees to create as many new AI features as possible for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15.