Bloomberg reported last week that Apple is developing an AI tool to help software developers by automatically completing lines of code. The new assistive coding tool is expected to be equivalent to Microsoft's GitHub 'Copilot' and could be integrated into Apple's 'Xcode' software development environment this year.

While Xcode is free for developers, Apple charges a$99 yearly fee to make apps available in its app store. Apple is testing the new code completion tool internally and plans to share it with third-party software developers soon.

Why does it matter?

According to the same report, the AI-based code completion tool is part of a broader initiative by Apple to integrate AI into its products. Craig Federighi, Apple's software chief, has exhorted employees to integrate as many new AI components as possible in the next iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15.
This means the possibility to automatically create Apple Music playlists, generate slide decks in business presentation software, and enhance the 'Spotlight' search feature on Apple devices to allow deeper integration with apps.

Apple's move is part of the company's efforts to compete with rivals in the AI space and provide developers with tools to complete lines of code and enhance app creation. As Google, Microsoft, and others focus on generative AI, Apple needs to level up in domains like programming assistants, content creation, intelligent search, and customisation. Even if Apple did not formally respond to the report, the creation of this AI tool demonstrates the company's dedication to integrating AI into its ecosystem and improving the capabilities of its software development tools.