Apple improves Xcode and Swift Assist to boost app development among developers.
At WWDC24, Apple announced new tools for developers, including improvements to Xcode and Swift Assist. Using AI, developers can now create code faster and more securely because everything is done locally. Apple wants to increase developer productivity while keeping security and privacy at the forefront.
Xcode 16 for developers
The biggest developer announcement at Apple’s WWDC is about Xcode 16. Apple is improving the toolkit that developers use to build apps. The new Xcode aims to increase productivity using Swift Assist, which serves as a companion for all coding tasks and is seamlessly integrated with Xcode. It features the latest software development kits (SDKs) and Swift language features, so developers always get the latest code features that fit their project.
Swift Assist uses a cloud-based model designed with privacy and security in mind. Developer code is used only to process requests, not to train machine learning models.
Code completion
In addition, Xcode 16 also includes a predictive code feature. Code completion is powered by Apple Silicon and machine learning improvements in macOS Sequoia. In addition, they run locally on the developer’s device. This way, the code remains completely private and developers can receive the most relevant suggestions even offline.
Apple also announced new business APIs, improvements to TestFlight, and new features for the App Store to make it easier for users to discover apps.