Apple announced a major update to its app development environment, Xcode 26, introducing deep integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and support for other AI models via API keys at WWDC 2025.

The move marks Apple’s most significant leap yet into AI-assisted software development.

The updated Xcode allows developers to leverage ChatGPT for tasks such as writing code, generating documentation, fixing errors, and testing applications, all within the development suite. Developers can access ChatGPT in Xcode without creating an OpenAI account, though paid users can link their accounts for increased usage limits.

“Developers can connect [AI] models directly into their coding experience to write code, tests, and documentation; iterate on a design; fix errors; and more,” Apple said in an official blog post accompanying the release.

Not limited to OpenAI, Xcode 26 now supports integration with third-party AI models. By using API keys, developers can plug in AI services from other providers, making the development environment more flexible and customizable for various use cases.

The AI-powered tools also include code previews and real-time suggestions, streamlining workflows and speeding up the development process.

In a broader push for on-device AI, Apple also introduced a new Foundation Models framework. The framework allows developers to access Apple’s own AI models with just three lines of code, according to the company. These models run directly on Apple devices, preserving privacy and ensuring faster performance without relying on cloud processing.

Together, these updates signal a shift toward more intelligent and efficient app development, positioning Apple as a key player in the future of AI-assisted programming.