Apple Integrates Anthropic and OpenAI Agent Functions into Its Programming Tool

Apple has announced it will introduce agent-based programming capabilities into its flagship development tool, Xcode, formally entering the hottest technology race currently underway in Silicon Valley.

Leveraging agent-driven programming technology, developers can enable artificial intelligence software to autonomously handle code writing tasks. Apple stated that its Xcode tool will support Anthropic's Claude agent and OpenAI's Codex code tool.

A company representative said in a demonstration video released on Tuesday, "Now, Xcode can collaborate with programming agents to handle complex, multi-step programming tasks for you." The video was released concurrently with the feature announcement.

Last summer, Apple updated Xcode to integrate OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude functionalities; this latest update extends the collaboration into the realm of agent-based programming. In an email sent to developers, Apple claimed these agents can perform tasks such as building and testing projects, consulting Apple's official development documentation, and debugging programs.

Currently, individual programmers and various companies have already begun adopting agent-based programming technology to enhance software development efficiency through a method known as "ambient programming" — where humans issue instructions to the AI, which then generates code for human review.

Apple's consumer-facing AI suite, Apple Intelligence, previously faced delays in its rollout and management changes; however, in recent months, AI programming features have rapidly gained popularity among Apple's mobile developer community.

Users need to link their OpenAI or Anthropic accounts to Xcode via an API key. Apple indicated that the feature adheres to open standards, meaning that besides the built-in integrations for Anthropic and OpenAI agents, developers can also connect other compatible agents and AI tools within Xcode.

Xcode is Apple's integrated development environment for developers, and nearly all Apple mobile applications are built using this tool. The new version, Xcode 26.3, is now available as a beta to Apple's registered developers and will subsequently be officially launched on the Apple App Store.

Just on Monday, OpenAI also released a dedicated version of its agent-based programming application, Codex, for Apple computers.