Apple has quietly partnered with Anthropic to develop a new "emotional coding" software tool that leverages AI for writing, testing, and fixing code.
Reports suggest that this project is essentially an enhanced version of Apple’s flagship app-building software, Xcode. However, this new tool incorporates the Claude Sonnet model developed by Anthropic. It features a chat-based interface where developers can input requests in real-time and receive assistance with code generation. The emotional coding tool can also debug applications and test user interfaces.
Internal Use Takes Priority - Public Release Still Uncertain
Currently, the tool is only being tested internally at Apple, and there's no decision yet on whether it will be made available to external developers.
"Apple plans to roll out the software internally first and hasn't decided on a public release," according to sources familiar with the matter.
This cautious approach may reflect lessons learned from Apple's earlier attempts. Last year, Apple introduced Swift Assist, another AI-based Xcode coding tool slated for release in 2024. But it never made it into developers' hands. Reports suggest internal engineers complained that the tool could "hallucinate" results and even slow down the app-building process.
For years, Apple has remained relatively quiet in the generative AI race, focusing more on user privacy and on-device processing. However, with competitors like Microsoft and Google advancing rapidly, the iPhone maker is clearly taking steps to catch up. Partnering with Anthropic reflects Apple's willingness to rely on external expertise in areas where it has previously struggled.
A Strategic Shift in Apple's AI Approach
If the emotional coding system proves successful within Apple, it might eventually be opened up to a broader developer community. This would significantly boost Anthropic’s profile, as the company is already collaborating with Amazon on developing a new Alexa+ assistant.
For Apple, this represents an opportunity to make up for its delayed AI efforts. The company has faced criticism for lagging behind in generative AI; internally, Apple has reshuffled leadership roles to get its AI strategy back on track.
John Giannandrea, Apple's AI chief, recently lost control over Siri and some consumer-facing projects, which are now managed by Craig Federighi, head of software engineering. This move aims to give Giannandrea’s team more room to focus on AI science while Federighi drives the launch of usable products.
Despite these changes, Apple remains committed to a hybrid strategy. During the company’s Q2 earnings call on May 1, CEO Tim Cook stated, "I don’t think it’s an all-or-nothing choice," referring to building AI internally versus collaborating externally. "We’re very excited about our roadmap and pleased with the progress we’ve made."
