Apple has unveiled a major upgrade to its developer ecosystem, introducing a range of advanced tools and technologies designed to boost app development across all Apple platforms.
At the heart of the update is Apple Intelligence, giving developers access to powerful on-device AI through the new Foundation Models framework.
Xcode 26 integrates large language models like ChatGPT directly into the coding environment, enabling intelligent code suggestions, error fixing, and documentation generation. Developers can choose from various models, including those hosted locally on Macs with Apple silicon.
A refined software design has been rolled out across iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26. The standout design element, Liquid Glass, offers a visually fluid interface for apps. Native frameworks like SwiftUI and the new Icon Composer make it easier for developers to align with Apple’s new design direction.
The Foundation Models framework allows developers to implement AI-driven experiences while prioritizing user privacy. It supports Swift natively and can be integrated with just a few lines of code.
Additional highlights include:
App Intents: Now with visual intelligence, enabling deep integration with Siri, Spotlight, and more.
Swift 6.2: Offers better performance, concurrency handling, and support for WebAssembly.
Containerization Framework: Lets developers run Linux containers directly on Mac.
Game Development Tools: Game Porting Toolkit 3, Metal 4, and Game Center enhancements streamline the creation of high-performance, immersive games.
Child Safety Tools: The Declared Age Range API helps deliver age-appropriate content without compromising user privacy.
App Store Updates: New Accessibility Nutrition Labels and enhanced App Store Connect features improve transparency and developer feedback.
Apple’s new tools are available now via the Apple Developer Program, with a public beta coming next month. These updates aim to help developers build smarter, more beautiful, and more accessible apps across all Apple platforms.