June 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
Apple Elevates Developer Tools and Technologies to Inspire Innovation and Creativity
Apple has unveiled enhanced tools and technologies designed to empower developers, enabling them to craft stunning modern applications swiftly. With access to an on-device Apple Intelligence model, integration of large language models in Xcode, and a refined software design across all Apple platforms, developers have everything they need for seamless app creation.
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA — Today, Apple announced significant updates to its developer tools, making it easier for developers to create engaging, intelligent, and visually appealing applications for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26. The new software design emphasizes content and delivers delightful user experiences while maintaining familiarity. The Foundation Models framework allows developers to leverage on-device intelligence, and Xcode 26 incorporates advanced features powered by large language models like ChatGPT.
Apple’s extensive suite of resources also includes over 250,000 APIs, facilitating integration of apps with Apple’s hardware and software capabilities across various domains such as machine learning, augmented reality, and high-performance graphics. Each platform update enriches the tools and technologies available to developers, allowing them to transform their ideas into rich, seamless experiences.
“Developers are essential in shaping exceptional experiences for our users,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s VP of Worldwide Developer Relations. “With new features in Xcode 26 and access to the on-device Apple Intelligence model, we’re enabling developers to create more intuitive applications for everyone.”
New Design with Liquid Glass
The sleek new design offers developers a chance to create visually delightful applications. This design utilizes a new material named Liquid Glass, which emanates fluidity and optical clarity. It enhances user interaction elements—from buttons to navigation bars—creating a cohesive look across apps.
Using frameworks such as SwiftUI, developers can easily adopt this new aesthetic, allowing for a unified experience throughout Apple’s platforms.
The introduction of the Icon Composer app helps developers create striking app icons that capture their app’s identity. This tool streamlines the process of designing visually consistent icons with features for layer annotation, translucency adjustments, and tint previews.
Foundation Models Framework
The Foundation Models framework equips developers with the tools needed to leverage Apple Intelligence for innovative user experiences, even offline, while maintaining user privacy through cost-free AI inference.
It offers seamless integration with Swift, requiring minimal code to access the Apple Intelligence model. Built-in tools facilitate the addition of generative capabilities to apps. For instance, Automattic’s Day One journaling app utilizes this framework to provide privacy-focused intelligence features.
“The Foundation Model framework allows us to rethink journaling in a way that respects user privacy,” stated Paul Mayne, head of Day One at Automattic.
Enhanced Capabilities in Xcode 26
Focus on productivity is at the core of Xcode 26, which integrates intelligent features to assist developers in bringing their ideas to life. Developers can leverage large language models for coding, testing, and documentation, allowing for quicker iterations and error corrections. With built-in support for ChatGPT and options to use various models, developers can optimize their coding experience seamlessly.
Coding Tools enhance productivity by providing contextual suggestions—like generating previews or resolving issues—directly within the coding environment. Xcode 26 also introduces an updated navigation interface and improved options for voice command support.
App Intents and Swift 6.2
App Intents allows deep integration of apps with system-wide experiences, including Siri and Spotlight. This year, visual intelligence capabilities enable apps to deliver visual search results, enhancing usability—illustrated by Etsy’s integration to streamline product discovery.
Swift 6.2 introduces advanced performance and concurrency features, in addition to support for WebAssembly, aiding in smoother single-threaded coding.
Containerization Framework and Gaming Tools
The new Containerization Framework allows developers to directly manage Linux container images on Mac, while the Game Porting Toolkit 3 offers updated tools for game evaluation and profiling. Metal 4 advances gaming capabilities on Apple platforms by integrating performance optimizations for graphics and machine learning.
An all-new Apple Games app unifies gamers’ experiences on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, introducing competitive challenges and improved social features within gameplay, enhancing engagement and community interaction.
Tools for Child Safety
Apple introduces tools such as parental controls and the Sensitive Content Analysis framework to ensure children have safe app experiences. The new Declared Age Range API allows parents to share their children’s age range without revealing sensitive information, enabling developers to tailor age-appropriate content.
Updated App Store Features
New Accessibility Nutrition Labels on App Store product pages provide information about supported accessibility features. Developers can now report on various accessibility options directly, making it easier for users to choose suitable apps.
The App Store Connect app has also been enhanced to provide comprehensive feedback and management tools for developers.
Availability
These updates join Apple’s growing library of advanced tools and technologies for developers. The new Apple Intelligence features will be accessible on supported devices, including all iPhone 16 models, certain iPad models, and Macs with Apple silicon.
For further details, visit apple.com/apple-intelligence. Many features are subject to change, and availability may vary by region.
All these features are available for testing today via the Apple Developer Program at developer.apple.com, with a public beta set to launch next month through the Apple Beta Software Program at beta.apple.com.
About Apple
Apple has revolutionized personal technology since the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads innovation with a range of products including iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The company’s six software platforms deliver seamless experiences across devices and empower users with services like the App Store and Apple Music. With over 150,000 employees, Apple is committed to creating the best products and leaving the world a better place.
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Apple
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