Apple Inc. is intensifying its efforts in artificial intelligence (AI) with the development of a new software tool aimed at app developers, in a move set to rival Microsoft Corp.’s GitHub Copilot. The tech giant has been diligently working on this project over the past year as part of its forthcoming major update to Xcode, the flagship programming software.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Apple’s new system will function similarly to GitHub Copilot, leveraging AI to predict and complete blocks of code. This streamlined approach to programming has the potential to significantly enhance software development, potentially saving both time and resources.
In addition to code completion, Apple is also exploring AI’s application in generating code for testing applications, a traditionally laborious process. The company is currently internally testing these AI features, a practice known as “dogfooding,” before rolling them out to external developers.
These developments mark Apple’s broader foray into generative AI and large language models (LLMs), the technology underlying popular chatbots like ChatGPT. While Apple is playing catch-up with its tech peers in this domain, the company has committed to unveiling its AI plans later this year, with an announcement expected as early as June during its annual developers conference.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, has reportedly emphasized the urgency of developing new AI features for this year’s operating system updates. He has also tasked his team with exploring additional features utilizing AI, with top deputy Sebastien Marineau-Mes playing a key role in driving these efforts forward.
Apple’s forthcoming iOS and iPadOS 18 updates are said to incorporate a plethora of new AI features, codenamed Crystal, which the company plans to tout as one of the most significant updates in the iPhone’s 16-year history. Similarly, AI enhancements are expected to be integrated into the next version of macOS, codenamed Glow, albeit with a gradual approach to development.
Beyond software updates, Apple is exploring AI-driven features for its various services, including Apple Music playlists, Keynote presentations, and an enhanced version of Spotlight, its systemwide search feature. These efforts underscore Apple’s commitment to leveraging AI across its ecosystem to deliver more intuitive and efficient user experiences.
While Apple intensifies its AI endeavors, competition in the field continues to escalate, with rivals like Samsung Electronics Co. incorporating Google AI features into their latest smartphone offerings. Nevertheless, Apple remains steadfast in its pursuit of AI innovation, aiming to enhance products and services across its ecosystem through the integration of cutting-edge AI technologies.
