Apple's AI Coding Assistant to Automatically Generate iOS App Code

Apple is developing an AI coding assistant for iOS developers that can automatically generate app code. It leverages machine learning and will compete with Microsoft’s GitHub Copilot when released later this year.

The AI coding assistant to be integrated into Xcode to help developers write code more efficiently. This aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to incorporate AI across its products and services, including updates to iOS, iPadOS, macOS and apps like Music, Keynote, Spotlight search.

Apple is also building a separate AI tool to automatically create test code for evaluating iOS apps. This could significantly cut down on the tedious manual testing developers currently have to do.

These new AI developer tools are being tested internally at Apple to ensure they work properly before public release. Apple has been working on the tool for the past year and recently expanded internal testing with plans to release it to third-party developers this year.

The initiatives indicate Apple aims to catch up to rivals like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft in using AI to enhance software development.

Apple CEO Tim Cook recently hinted at exciting new AI capabilities coming later this year, likely in iOS 16 and MacOS updates.

Potential AI features in iOS 16 and MacOS include automated playlist creation, slideshow generation, and enhancements to the iPhone/iPad Spotlight search.

Apple is poised to release various AI developer tools and consumer features over the next year as it pushes further into generative AI – a key area of competition in the tech industry. The coding assistant specifically could greatly improve and streamline iOS app development.