Apple Developing AI Tool to Help Developers Write Code for Apps

[MacRumors]

Apple is working on an updated version of Xcode that will include an AI tool for generating code, reports Bloomberg. The AI tool will be similar to GitHub Copilot from Microsoft, which can generate code based on natural language requests and convert code from one programming language to another.

The Xcode AI tool will be able to predict and finish blocks of code, allowing developers to streamline their app creation process. Apple is now testing the functionality internally and plans to release it to third-party software developers "as early as this year."

Apple is also testing AI-generated code for testing apps, and has asked some engineers to try these features out internally.

The artificial intelligence capabilities added to Xcode will join several other AI features that Apple plans to add to Siri and other built-in apps. Some new features could include the option to generate playlists in Apple Music and create slideshows in Keynote, with Apple also working on improved Spotlight search capabilities. Search could encompass specific features in apps and might also provide responses to complex questions, with the feature built using large language models.

According to Bloomberg, 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. Apple plans to introduce "a slew of new AI features," and iOS 18 will be marketed as one of the biggest updates to the iPhone since it launched. Some of the AI features will come to macOS, but Apple plans to "take a gradual approach to AI development" with some features not coming "for years."

Article Link: Apple Developing AI Tool to Help Developers Write Code for Apps

 

[icanhazmac]

How long until devs go on strike to keep AI from helping n00bz write code?

n00b: AI, write me code for an iOS freemium game, make it just barely fun unless they pay
AI: Ok, here it is
n00b: Profit

 

[swiftapplefan]

It will all depend on how they’ll implement it. If it’s decent from the start, count me in. I just hope that the features they’ll end up rolling won’t be half-baked or proofs of concepts. They took their time, now they need to show that it was worth it.

 

[toobravetosave]

It will all depend on how they’ll implement it. If it’s decent from the start, count me in. I just hope that the features they’ll end up rolling won’t be half-baked or proofs of concepts. They took their time, now they need to show that it was worth it.

they didn’t take their time they were simply late

 

[iAppleOrchard]

"Oh no! I am a developer and I am going to get replaced!"

Can't wait to see those comments.

I hope this AI doesn't replace developers. I hope its a sidekick and I don't want AI writing all my code.

 

[G5isAlive]

I wonder what the next buzzword will be?

 

[CrysisDeu]

A lot of developers writes code with the help of AI now, still, there are a lot of things AI cannot do probably for one more decade

 

[turbineseaplane]

We are racing to the bottom as fast as we can

 

[coffeemilktea]

I wonder how useful this will actually be... from personal experience, I've found AI is good at generating small snippets of code for specific tasks, but I wouldn't rely on it for anything larger or more complex, at least not without a lot of human guidance. 🤔

But then, asking an AI to do small things sure beats having to look up how to call specific functions and classes on the Apple Developer documentation website. Can't remember how to use NSFileManager with iCloud? The AI will do it for you.

 

[klasma]

Craig Federighi has asked employees to create as many new AI features as possible for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15. Apple plans to introduce "a slew of new AI features"

I’m certain this will turn out great. This is a sure way to make the OS more coherent and reduce the number of bugs.

 

[jz0309]

well, if we get bug-free SW with the help of AI - then I'm all for that ...
Wait, aren't humans training AI?
/s

 

[jz0309]

I’m certain this will turn out great. This is a sure way to make the OS more coherent and reduce the number of bugs.

interesting, I put a "/s" at the end of my comment saying the same thing

 

[blcamp]

So if Apple AI writes portions of the code, then those portions are in theory Apple's IP and not that of the developer, correct?

I see a serious problem here...

 

[turbineseaplane]

I’m certain this will turn out great. This is a sure way to make the OS more coherent and reduce the number of bugs.

On the plus side, maybe Siri will actually get better somehow?
Maybe just through pure dumb luck?

Sort of the “even a blind squirrel every now and then finds a nut” theory

 

[benspratling]

Let’s see if the AI can figure out how to back deploy new SwiftUI features to old os versions.

 

[klasma]

So if Apple AI writes portions of the code, then those portions are in theory Apple's IP and not that of the developer, correct?

No. AI output is not copyrightable, only human works are.

 

[NMBob]

We are racing to the bottom as fast as we can

Well, when Natural Intelligence (NI) doesn't work anymore...

 

[benspratling]

"Oh no! I am a developer and I am going to get replaced!"

Can't wait to see those comments.

I hope this AI doesn't replace developers. I hope its a sidekick and I don't want AI writing all my code.

We’ll just become developers of ai commands.

 

[turbineseaplane]

We’ll just become developers of ai commands.

Isn’t that like machine assisted manufacturing that very quickly pivots to fully robotic manufacturing?

 

[klasma]

On the plus side, maybe Siri will actually get better somehow?

I’m sure they could make Siri work decently if they work purposely on it. But having their developers implement as many AI features as possible on their own is not the way to create a consistent experience.

 

[turbineseaplane]

having their developers implement as many AI features as possible on their own is not the way to create a consistent experience.

No argument from me!
I fully agree — it sounds insane

 

[bodhisattva]

So if Apple AI writes portions of the code, then those portions are in theory Apple's IP and not that of the developer, correct?

I see a serious problem here...

Nah. We write code using Apple's language, using Apple IDE, for Apple devices. This is nothing more than a nice extension to code completion (that many thought would reduce the number of developers also.) Just another tool in our toolbox. Just like graphic designers being worked about AI creating these cliche looking logos we are starting to see. AI can recreate based on models. True creativity still rests in the hands of the developer and the artist (and according do Mr. Jobs.... those should be one and the same)

 

[BanjoDudeAhoy]

I’m certain this will turn out great. This is a sure way to make the OS more coherent and reduce the number of bugs.

Yeah. It saddens me to say this because ever since I switched to iPhone, I have been looking forward to new iOS versions.
But with 17, I’ve had a number of small-ish issues and inconsistencies and annoyances that I’m somewhat worried that this mad dash to tick as many buzzword boxes as possible will not make for a great experience.

 

[smulji]

"Oh no! I am a developer and I am going to get replaced!"

Can't wait to see those comments.

I hope this AI doesn't replace developers. I hope its a sidekick and I don't want AI writing all my code.

This was an interview Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of Nvidia gave in Saudi Arabia on the future of AI. His advice to future generations: don't go into software development (paraphrasing)

 

[turbineseaplane]

What is with the "all black outfit" these guys all try to pull off

Did Steve Jobs really have that level of impact on them all?

(I know -- it was just a black shirt with Steve ... I was more referring to just always been seen with one "look" -- black shirt/jeans in his case)