Apple has announced major updates to its developer tools and technologies, making it easier and faster for developers to build modern, intelligent, and beautiful apps across all Apple platforms.
The updates include new AI capabilities, a fresh software design, and improved resources for app creation, gaming, and accessibility.
Access to On-Device Apple Intelligence
Developers can now use Apple’s on-device AI model through the new Foundation Models framework. This lets them add intelligent features to apps—like generative AI and privacy-focused experiences—with just a few lines of code.
The framework supports Swift and allows for guided generation, tool calling, and more, making it easy to add advanced AI features that work even offline.
Xcode 26 with Large Language Model Integration
Xcode 26 now integrates large language models, including built-in support for ChatGPT. Developers can use these models to write code, fix errors, generate tests and documentation, and even iterate on designs—all within Xcode.
Coding Tools offer suggested actions, previews, and fixes, helping developers stay productive. Xcode 26 also brings a redesigned navigation experience and improved Voice Control for dictating Swift code and navigating by voice.
Elegant New Software Design
A new design language called Liquid Glass gives apps a more expressive and delightful look, from buttons and sliders to sidebars and tab bars.
Developers can use native frameworks like SwiftUI and the new Icon Composer app to easily adopt this design and create visually captivating app icons.
App Intents with Visual Intelligence
App Intents now support visual intelligence, allowing apps to deliver visual search results and deep integration with system experiences like Siri, Spotlight, and widgets. For example, Etsy uses this feature to help users find products more quickly and intuitively.
Swift 6.2 and WebAssembly Support
Swift 6.2 brings performance improvements, better concurrency, and support for interoperability with languages like C++, Java, and JavaScript. It also adds support for WebAssembly, making it easier to run Swift code on the web.
Containerization Framework
Apple’s new Containerization framework lets developers create, download, and run Linux container images directly on Mac, with secure isolation and optimization for Apple silicon.
Tools for Game Developers
Game Porting Toolkit 3 and Metal 4 introduce advanced graphics, machine learning, and performance tools for game developers. Features like MetalFX Frame Interpolation and MetalFX Denoising enable higher frame rates and realistic ray tracing. The new Apple Games app and Game Overlay make it easier for players to manage games and connect with friends.
Enhanced App Store and Accessibility
Developers can now add Accessibility Nutrition Labels to their App Store pages, showing which accessibility features their apps support. App Store Connect improvements include better feedback tools, real-time updates, and support for background asset hosting1.
Tools to Protect Kids Online
A new Declared Age Range API helps developers deliver age-appropriate content without collecting sensitive information, giving parents more control over their child’s app experience.
Availability
All these features are available for developer testing now, with a public beta coming next month. The updates will roll out to users this fall with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26. Some features require newer devices and may vary by language or region.
