Apple is reportedly making significant strides in the realm of generative AI, with recent reports suggesting the development of an AI code generation tool akin to GitHub Copilot. This move marks a major step for the tech giant in the competitive landscape of generative AI technologies.
Development of AI coding tool
Apple has been diligently working on this AI coding tool for the past year. This tool is anticipated to be integrated into Xcode, Apple’s existing programming software widely used by developers. Functioning similarly to GitHub Copilot, the tool will enable users to generate code based on natural language prompts and seamlessly convert code across various programming languages.
Impact on app development
The introduction of this AI programming tool is expected to revolutionize the app development process, allowing developers to rapidly create and finalize lines of code. By automating code generation, Apple aims to streamline the app creation process and enhance efficiency for developers utilizing its platform.
Testing of the new functionality has already commenced internally within Apple. Reports suggest that the company could potentially roll out this feature to third-party software developers as early as next year, indicating the imminent arrival of this groundbreaking AI coding tool.
Apple’s generative AI strategy
Apple’s venture into the generative AI race comes amidst a period of heightened speculation regarding its AI ambitions. While the company has outlined plans to integrate generative AI technology into Siri and other applications, its efforts in this domain have been relatively subdued compared to industry counterparts like Microsoft and Google.
In a bid to bolster its machine learning capabilities, Apple recently released a suite of open-source tools, including the ‘Apple MLX’ framework. Developed by the company’s ML research division, this framework facilitates the development of AI tools utilizing Apple’s proprietary silicon.
By making these resources available through open-source libraries such as PyPI and GitHub, Apple aims to foster innovation and collaboration within the AI community.
Speculation surrounding ‘Apple GPT’
Speculation regarding Apple’s internal large language model (LLM), dubbed ‘Apple GPT’, has been circulating since July 2023. While details on this model remain unconfirmed by the tech giant, industry observers eagerly await further insights into Apple’s advancements in generative AI technology.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has hinted at the company’s plans to intensify the integration of generative AI capabilities across its product lineup. While Cook has remained reserved on specific details, he revealed in an August interview with CNBC that Apple is committed to leveraging AI to enhance user experiences and drive innovation.
