Apple Set to Integrate Anthropic's Claude AI into Xcode, Expanding Developer Tools

Apple preps native Claude integration on Xcode - 9to5Mac

Towards the end of this year's WWDC keynote, Craig Federighi said that Apple had "expanded" their vision for Swift Assist, and would bring native integration with ChatGPT, alongside support for other LLMs via API, directly to Xcode. Now, 9to5Mac can confirm that Apple is set to support native integration with Anthropic's Claude as well. Digging into today's release of Xcode 26 beta 7, 9to5Mac found multiple references to built-in support for Anthropic accounts directly within the new "Intelligence" feature, along with specific mentions of Claude Sonnet 4.0 and a version of Claude Opus 4 released May 14. This means that while ChatGPT remains the only model with first-party Xcode integration, the underlying support for Anthropic accounts is already in place, hinting that Claude integration could arrive sooner rather than later. To be clear, while developers have been able to plug in Claude via API, Apple seems to be moving toward giving Claude the same level of native Xcode integration as ChatGPT got during WWDC 2025. Originally announced back at WWDC24, Swift Assist was meant to be Apple's answer to tools like GitHub Copilot: a built-in AI coding companion that would help developers explore frameworks, and write code. But it never actually shipped. Now, even though Apple appears to have dropped the Swift Assist name, the feature is finally arriving in Xcode 26, with a broader scope than before. Rather than relying solely on Apple's own models, it will support: Based on the code seen by 9to5Mac, it appears that Anthropic will gain the same native support as ChatGPT, which will certainly appeal to a vast portion of developers who claim this is the best coding assistant out there. Back in May, Bloomberg reported that Apple was testing a Claude-powered version of Xcode internally and was still debating whether to launch it publicly. At the time, there were only rumors about an expanded Swift Assist feature, which, when it was announced, featured only OpenAI's assistant, ChatGPT. With today's findings, it appears developers who prefer Claude over OpenAI's models may soon get a more seamless, built-in experience. Otherwise, it'll still work the same as any other provider. Just plug in your API key, and code away. Based on server-side configuration files also seen by 9to5Mac, today's findings also open the door to the possibility that Claude could be about to join ChatGPT as an alternative to Siri and the system's Writing Tools. While that has no direct relation to the Xcode feature, it would make sense that Apple might choose to launch both in tandem. Do you have a favorite LLM to assist you with code? Let us know in the comments.

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Apple is looking to improve Swift Assist through native Claude integration, as references to Anthropic's AI models were discovered in Xcode 26 beta code. Swift Assist, Apple's AI coding assistant, was announced at WWDC 2024, though rumors about the feature had been floating around since February of the same year. It was meant to help developers code and test applications within Xcode, yet the software never actually shipped. Supposedly, it suffered from internal complaints about hallucinations and slow performance, which ultimately hindered its release. However, there are indications that Swift Assist may reach developers in the near future, and we now have a better idea as to what AI models it will support. Following rumors from May 2025 that suggested Swift Assist would support Anthropic's Claude, 9to5mac has discovered evidence of these plans. Specifically, the seventh developer beta of Xcode 26 was found to contain multiple references to Claude Sonnet 4.0 and of Claude Opus 4. Apple has seemingly already laid the foundation for Anthropic account support, meaning Claude will likely get the same degree of Xcode integration as OpenAI's ChatGPT currently holds. The company is bringing in Anthropic's Claude AI to help developers, and the move serves as additional evidence of Apple's shift in its approach to artificial intelligence. It looks as though Apple is no longer treating AI as a self-contained project siloed within its walls. Instead, it's beginning to view outside partnerships as a necessary part of keeping up with rapid advancements in generative AI. Through Claude integration, Xcode might benefit from natural language capabilities that make it possible for developers to request code snippets, debug interfaces, or streamline test cycles. Apple has long resisted leaning on outside help for core technologies, preferring to build its tools in-house. But that approach has proven unsuccessful, particularly after the delay of Siri's promised Apple Intelligence features. The company is reportedly also exploring Siri improvements through third-party solutions, as part of its Glenwood project. Monday's report claims that "server-side configuration files" suggest Anthropic's Claude might, at some point, join OpenAI's ChatGPT as an option in Writing Tools, or as an alternative to Siri. For reference, ChatGPT integration was introduced with iOS 18.2, while additional improvements were made with iOS 26. Apple seems to be laying the groundwork for a more open and flexible AI strategy. The company that once insisted on going it alone is beginning to see the value in collaboration, and it looks like Xcode's Swift Assist will be among the first products to benefit from the new approach.

Apple prepares native Claude integration in Xcode

Apple is preparing to integrate Anthropic's Claude directly into Xcode, according to findings from 9to5Mac. This move follows Apple's announcement at WWDC, where they revealed plans to incorporate native ChatGPT integration and support for other Large Language Models (LLMs) via API within Xcode. Specifically, within the Xcode 26 beta 7 release, 9to5Mac uncovered references to built-in support for Anthropic accounts within the new "Intelligence" feature. These references included specific mentions of Claude Sonnet 4.0 and a version of Claude Opus 4 released on May 14. This discovery suggests that Apple is actively working towards providing a more seamless experience for developers who prefer using Claude's models. Although ChatGPT is currently the only model with first-party Xcode integration, the presence of underlying support for Anthropic accounts indicates that Claude integration is on the horizon. Developers have previously been able to integrate Claude through APIs. Apple seemingly intends to grant Claude the same level of native Xcode integration that ChatGPT received during WWDC 2024. This native integration aims to streamline the development process for users of Anthropic's models. The origins of this initiative can be traced back to WWDC24, where Apple initially announced Swift Assist. Swift Assist was conceived as Apple's response to AI-powered coding tools like GitHub Copilot, designed to assist developers in exploring frameworks and writing code. However, Swift Assist, in its original form, was never released to the public. Apple is now introducing this functionality in Xcode 26, albeit under a different name. The reimagined feature has a broader scope than initially envisioned. Beyond relying solely on Apple's models, the new system will encompass several options. These include Apple's own AI models, native ChatGPT support, subject to a daily usage cap unless users log in or provide an API key, and the flexibility to integrate any third-party provider, including local models running on the user's Mac. The code examined by 9to5Mac suggests that Anthropic is poised to receive the same native support as ChatGPT. This development is significant, considering the substantial number of developers who view Claude as a leading coding assistant. The integration will likely be welcomed by those seeking a more efficient coding experience using their preferred AI model. Discussions between Apple and Anthropic have been ongoing for some time. In May, Bloomberg reported that Apple was internally testing a Claude-powered version of Xcode, while considering its public release. At that time, rumors circulated regarding an expanded Swift Assist feature, but the initial announcement only highlighted OpenAI's ChatGPT. The current findings suggest that developers who favor Claude over OpenAI's models may soon have a more integrated experience. If not, the process of incorporating Claude will remain similar to integrating any other third-party provider: by inputting an API key. 9to5Mac also uncovered server-side configuration files that raise the possibility of Claude becoming an alternative to Siri and the system's Writing Tools, similar to ChatGPT. While this is not directly related to the Xcode feature, Apple might launch both integrations concurrently.