- Apple is rushing to unveil an AI coding tool called Crystal this year.
- The Xcode assistant aims to automate writing code.
- Apple seems to feel pressure to ship AI products.
Apple is discretely rushing to keep pace in AI with plans to unveil a generative coding assistant for app developers this year. Sources revealed to Bloomberg this week.
Dubbed “Crystal,” the Xcode tool aims to automate writing code using AI, much like Microsoft’s popular GitHub Copilot.
Can Apple catch up in the AI race?
The launch would mark a pivotal move for Apple to stake ground amid surging interest in generative AI, an area where it currently lags behind rivals in spending big on models like ChatGPT.
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Just last month, CEO Tim Cook teased upcoming AI products shipping later this year, but Crystal’s existence points to urgency around gaining traction.
Apple’s AI strategy
Besides promising Xcode updates, Apple is applying AI to other initiatives like personalized Apple Music playlists and Photos slideshows, per sources.
It is also expanding virtual assistant Spotlight’s capabilities and overhauling MacOS with an initiative codenamed “Glow.”
Though details remain limited, Apple’s race to ship long-speculated AI features in 2023 suggests the technology giant feels pressure to showcase progress before competitors gain too great an advantage. If launched swiftly, Crystal could offer developer appeal and buy Apple time as broader strategic plans crystalize.
