Apple is making it easier for developers to add AI features into their apps and use more advanced tools while building them.
Developers can now connect their apps more closely with Siri through Apple’s App Intents system. This means apps can better understand what users are doing, respond to actions inside the app, and offer more helpful, context-aware features.
“Developers are at the heart of the Apple ecosystem, and our goal is to provide them with the best possible tools and technologies to build the future,” said Susan Prescott, vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations at Apple. “With new intelligence frameworks and agentic coding in Xcode 27, developers have the tools they need to focus on what they do best: bringing their incredible ideas to life.”
Apple also improved its AI tools so developers can use more powerful AI models, including ones that run directly on Apple devices. These models can now handle things like images, work with server-based systems, and be customized for specific app needs. Developers are also not limited to Apple’s own AI tools, as they can now use other popular AI models like Gemini and Claude through a new system.
To help smaller developers get started, Apple is offering free access to its latest AI models through its cloud system for qualifying developers in its Small Business Program.
For developers who want more control, Apple introduced a tool called Core AI, which enables large AI models run directly on devices like the iPhone and Mac instead of relying on internet-based cloud services.
Apple also upgraded Xcode 27, its main app-building software, turning it into a central place where developers can work with AI assistants from companies like Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI. These assistants can help write code, answer questions, plan projects, and review changes all in one workspace.
The AI tools can also do tasks on their own, such as writing tests, checking code for errors, and even running apps in simulation to see how they behave.
Xcode 27 is now built only for Apple Silicon computers. It is smaller, faster, and easier to set up. Apple also improved its cloud-based development service, making app building up to twice as fast and adding support for more advanced apps, including those for gaming and spatial computing.
For developers in places like the Philippines, these updates could make it cheaper and faster to build AI-powered apps, since they may rely less on expensive cloud services.
Apple also improved its app design system, making it easier for users to adjust how apps look and improving accessibility settings so apps can be more comfortable and customizable to use.