Apple Developing AI Tool to Help Developers Write Code for Apps

[nutmac]

"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.

It doesn't.

AI is a natural evolution of code complete. Modern IDEs like Xcode and IntelliJ auto generate a fair amount of code already. But AI shifts the gear up significantly.

AI's code completion is far more context sensitive and useful, saving developers lots of time while reducing the amount of bugs. And AI can be useful for writing unit tests and documentation.

AI is not going to help non-developers to write complex applications.

 

[Populus]

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.

Yes, I’ve thought the same. If the “AI coding help” is good enough, it could make code much better, and make operating systems more solid with less bugs.

 

[gatorvet96]

they didn’t take their time they were simply late

First doesn't mean best

 

[citysnaps]

Excellent news. A great idea.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Yes, I’ve thought the same. If the “AI coding help” is good enough, it could make code much better, and make operating systems more solid with less bugs.

I’m not sure that’s what the user meant that you quoted

 

[GrayFlannel]

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.

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.

What stuck me is the odd wording. It‘s worded like Apple developers sit around thinking up their own random APIs and projects to work on.

 

[toobravetosave]

First doesn't mean best

that isn’t what happened. apple is currently rushing at light speed to bring you technology they and even google were completely blindsided by.

you’re not seeing patience you’re seeing someone sprinting to make the bus

 

[klasma]

What stuck me is the odd wording. It‘s worded like Apple developers sit around thinking up their own random APIs and projects to work on.

It seems to work that way in parts. Developers can propose a new feature or app they’ve been prototyping on the side.

 

[Eric5h5]

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...

Nope, not how that works. If you use generative fill in Photoshop, the image belongs 100% to you and not Adobe.

 

[toobravetosave]

Nope, not how that works. If you use generative fill in Photoshop, the image belongs 100% to you and not Adobe.

maybe apple will want 30% 😈

 

[Blackstick]

As a systems engineer for the very limited scripting needed, AI does a shockingly efficient job.

 

[TracesOfArsenic]

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

View attachment 2349789

By this logic thousands of apps have already been built using this methodology.

 

[TracesOfArsenic]

xcode barely works, Siri is a POS. With these powers combined we can make super potato apps! Great work, Apple.

 

[GrayFlannel]

It seems to work that way in parts. Developers can propose a new feature or app they’ve been making a prototype for on the side.

Really? On the side meaning after hours? I don’t see many developers standing in line to maintain production code to add an enhancement that hasn’t been called for. Sounds like a colossal misuse of my free time. 😆

 

[klasma]

Really? On the side meaning after hours? I don’t see many developers standing in line to maintain production code to add an enhancement that hasn’t been called for. Sounds like a colossal misuse of my free time. 😆

Developers get promoted for implementing significant new features (“having an impact”). This creates an incentive to come up with ideas for new features. A prototype provides a proof of concept and increases the likelihood for the feature to be green-lit. In addition, if a developer has a good idea, why would Apple not take advantage of it.

What’s weird is saying “please implement a lot of new AI features” instead of “if you have a good idea for a new AI feature, which is our focus for this year, please submit a proposal”.

 

[Sippincider]

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.

IOW throw everything at the wall and hope something sticks?

 

[Harry Haller]

First doesn't mean best

Innovation has left the chat.

 

[GrayFlannel]

Developers get promoted for implementing significant new features (“having an impact”). This creates an incentive to come up with ideas for new features. A prototype provides a proof of concept and increases the likelihood for the feature to be green-lit. In addition, if a developer has a good idea, why would Apple not take advantage of it.

What’s weird is saying “please implement a lot of new AI features” instead of “if you have a good idea for a new AI feature, which is our focus for this year, please submit a proposal”.

We come from vastly different production environments and experiences.

 

[zach-coleman]

"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.

I don’t have GPT 4 but so far 3.5 can’t help me with anything once it gets over ~250 lines, just starts spitting out nonsense. Under that limit it’s useful almost never for anything but Swift or Node, at least in my experience. Not sure why it’s those two. As the complexity goes beyond basics it quickly just starts hallucinating impossible code. Developers aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

 

[yeah]

They should implement this AI and make iOS bug fixes immediately on-device. If this AI model can generate code then surely we can have a Snow Leopard iOS update!

 

[Fuzzball84]

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...

I think it will become increasingly complex in the future, in all spheres where AI operates… There will huge issues over ownership and IP etc

So we will need more AI lawyers 🤔 digital courts… digital prison 😱

 

[Zboi]

Earlier reports of Vision Pro 2020-2022 had the headset using AI and an improved Siri to help write apps for the ordinary person. The Vision Pro comes out with no real killer app but now all of Apples efforts are directed towards AI. So what was the actual purpose of Vision Pro because it looks like Apple was never invested in AI until 2023?

 

[Fuzzball84]

iOS18 becomes a major milestone in AI, iOS19 becomes the first OS to be made by an AI OS (iOS 18)… iOS 20 becomes the baby of iOS of iOS 19… iOS 20 becomes self aware

iPhones start walking the planet… 🤔

Was iphone the black monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey 🧐

 

[Rogifan]

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.

I find this all quite amusing (including Tim Cook specifically mentioning AI on the last earnings call) considering how long Apple went without ever uttering the word AI. Last year Apple-centric tech analysts made fun of Google and Microsoft for the number of times they mentioned AI in their developer keynotes. Why do I get the feeling it will be crickets when this year’s WWDC is all about AI.

 

[falainber]

First doesn't mean best

Last doesn't mean best either.