Insider Brief
- Apple unveiled new AI-powered developer tools at WWDC 2025, emphasizing privacy-focused, on-device intelligence for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS apps.
- The new Foundation Models framework allows developers to build generative AI features such as summarization and smart suggestions directly into apps using Apple’s Swift language, with all processing done locally to avoid cloud-based data risks.
- Xcode 26 now supports AI coding assistants including ChatGPT and custom large language models, while additional updates include Liquid Glass UI styling, an age-range API, and embedded AI features for game development, with features requiring iPhone 16 or M1-class devices and available now via the Apple Developer Program.
Apple announced new AI-powered developer tools at its WWDC 2025, spotlighting artificial intelligence to make apps smarter and more private. According to Apple, the updates, designed for programmers working on iPhone, iPad, and Mac apps, emphasize on-device AI and privacy, aiming to enhance functionality while keeping user data secure.
“Developers play a vital role in shaping the experiences customers love across Apple platforms,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “With access to the on-device Apple Intelligence foundation model and new intelligence features in Xcode 26, we’re empowering developers to build richer, more intuitive apps for users everywhere.”
The main feature is the Foundation Models framework, which lets developers build AI into apps without needing an internet connection. This on-device AI processes data locally, enhancing privacy by avoiding cloud servers. Developers can tap into this AI using Swift, Apple’s programming language, to create features like personalized suggestions or smart editing—all offline.
Automattic is using the framework in its Day One journaling app to give users access to intelligence features while protecting their privacy.
“The Foundation Model framework has helped us rethink what’s possible with journaling,” said Paul Maynehead of Day One at Automattic. “Now we can bring intelligence and privacy together in ways that deeply respect our users.”
AI-Assisted Coding in Xcode 26
Another major update is Xcode 26, Apple’s coding platform, now equipped with AI helpers like ChatGPT. These large language models assist programmers by writing code, catching errors, and drafting documentation. Developers can connect large language models directly into their coding experience, Apple noted, hinting at faster workflows. Coders can link to ChatGPT, use other AI services, or run custom models on Macs with Apple’s chips, offering flexibility and privacy options.
Visual Intelligence in App Intents
Apple’s App Intents framework lets developers deeply integrate their app’s actions and content with system experiences across platforms, including Siri, Spotlight, widgets, controls, and more. This year, App Intents gains support for visual intelligence, enabling apps to provide visual search results within the visual intelligence experience, allowing users to go directly into the app from those results. For instance, Etsy is leveraging this feature to enhance its iOS app, facilitating faster and more intuitive discovery of goods and products.
“At Etsy, our job is to seamlessly connect shoppers with creative entrepreneurs around the world who offer extraordinary items — many of which are hard to describe. The ability to meet shoppers right on their iPhone with visual intelligence is a meaningful unlock, and makes it easier than ever for buyers to quickly discover exactly what they’re looking for while directly supporting small businesses,” said Etsy CTO Rafe Colburn.
Beyond AI: Design and Privacy Tools
Apple also introduced Liquid Glass, a sleek design style for apps, blending glassy visuals with smooth effects to highlight content. The Declared Age Range API lets apps tailor content to kids’ age groups without exact birthdates, balancing personalization with privacy.
Apple’s Latest Developer Tools
Here’s a rundown of Apple’s updates:
- Foundation Models Framework: On-device AI for private, offline features.
- Xcode 26: AI-powered coding with ChatGPT support.
- App Intents with Visual Intelligence: Integrates visual search into system experiences.
- Liquid Glass: A unified, glassy app design.
- Icon Composer: Tools for crafting standout app icons.
- Declared Age Range API: Age-appropriate content with privacy.
- Game Porting Toolkit 3 and Metal 4: Optimizes games for Apple devices.
- Accessibility Nutrition Labels: Details app accessibility upfront.
The new features are available now for testing through the Apple Developer Program and these tools will launch publicly next month, Apple indicated. The AI features require newer hardware, like the iPhone 16 or M1 Macs, promising a shift toward more intelligent, private apps.
