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Apple is working on a new and exciting feature for its Xcode software development platform: an AI tool that can generate code from natural language requests and convert code between different programming languages. This feature, similar to Microsoft’s GitHub Copilot, will enable developers to create apps faster and easier by predicting and completing blocks of code.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is currently testing the Xcode AI tool internally and plans to release it to third-party software developers later this year. The Xcode AI tool will be compatible with various programming languages, such as Swift, Objective-C, C++, and Python.
How the Xcode AI tool works
The Xcode AI tool uses advanced natural language processing and machine learning techniques to understand the developer’s intent and generate the appropriate code. For example, the developer can type in a request like “create a button that opens a new window” and the Xcode AI tool will produce the corresponding code in the chosen programming language.
The Xcode AI tool can also convert code from one language to another, which can be useful for porting apps to different platforms or updating legacy code. For instance, the developer can select a block of code written in Objective-C and ask the Xcode AI tool to convert it to Swift.
Other AI features coming to Apple products
The Xcode AI tool is not the only AI feature that Apple is working on. The company also plans to add more AI capabilities to Siri and other built-in apps, such as Apple Music and Keynote. Some of the new features that Apple is developing include:
- Generating playlists in Apple Music based on the user’s preferences and mood
- Creating slideshows in Keynote with automatic transitions and animations
- Improving Spotlight search to include specific features in apps and provide answers to complex questions
These features will be powered by large language models, which are AI systems that can process and generate natural language at scale.
Apple’s software chief Craig Federighi has reportedly asked employees to create as many new AI features as possible for the upcoming iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15. Apple intends to market iOS 18 as one of the biggest updates to the iPhone since its launch, with a slew of new AI features. Some of the AI features will also come to macOS, but Apple will take a gradual approach to AI development and some features may not be available for years.
What is GitHub Copilot?
GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered coding assistant that enables developers to write code more quickly and intelligently. It can generate code in response to natural language requests and convert code between programming languages. GitHub and OpenAI created GitHub Copilot, and it is compatible with a variety of integrated development environments (IDEs), including Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio, Neovim, and JetBrains.
How does GitHub Copilot work?
GitHub Copilot is an AI coding assistant that analyzes your code’s context and makes suggestions for how to complete it. GitHub Copilot makes use of OpenAI Codex, a generative AI model that has been trained on billions of lines of code from GitHub’s public repositories. GitHub Copilot can understand, interpret, and generate code in a variety of programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, Ruby, and more.
GitHub Copilot integrates with a variety of integrated development environments (IDEs), including Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio, Neovim, and JetBrains. You can use GitHub Copilot to get suggestions for entire lines or functions right from your editor. You can also enter natural language requests, and GitHub Copilot will try to generate the appropriate code.
