Apple Just Changed How Apps Are Built: AI Agents Arrive in Xcode

By: Ajay Ajay

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Updated on: 04-Feb-2026

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Key Highlights

• Apple rolls out Xcode 26.3 Release Candidate with agentic AI coding support
• Developers can now use OpenAI Codex and Anthropic Claude Agent inside Xcode
• AI agents can search docs, modify code, fix bugs, and manage project settings
• Built using Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol (MCP) open standard
• Stable public release expected soon via the Mac App Store

Xcode 26.3 Introduces Agentic AI Coding

Apple is taking a major step forward in AI-assisted app development with Xcode 26.3, introducing agentic coding capabilities for developers. With this update, Apple now allows AI agents to actively work inside Xcode, automating and assisting with complex development tasks across the entire app lifecycle.

The new features are rolling out via the Xcode 26.3 Release Candidate on Apple’s developer portal, with a stable public release expected shortly.

Support for OpenAI Codex and Claude Agent

With Xcode 26.3, developers can choose between OpenAI’s Codex and Anthropic’s Claude Agent. Apple has integrated support using Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol (MCP) , an open standard that enables platforms to securely connect with AI agents.

These AI agents are no longer limited to answering prompts. Instead, they can actively collaborate inside projects, making them far more useful than traditional AI chat tools.

What AI Agents Can Do in Xcode

According to Apple, AI agents in Xcode 26.3 can now handle tasks such as:

• Searching official documentation and APIs
• Exploring file structures and codebases
• Updating project and build settings
• Capturing and validating Xcode Previews
• Iterating on existing code
• Automatically identifying and fixing bugs

This marks a shift from AI-assisted coding to AI-driven development workflows.

Optimised for Cost and Performance

A TechCrunch report notes that Apple worked closely with OpenAI and Anthropic to optimise two key areas: token usage and tool calling efficiency. These improvements aim to deliver faster responses while keeping AI usage costs manageable for developers.

How Developers Can Enable AI Agents

To use agentic coding in Xcode 26.3, developers must manually enable an AI agent from Xcode’s settings. Access can be configured by:

• Signing in with an OpenAI or Anthropic account, or
• Using API keys for direct access

Developers can also select specific models, similar to how Codex or Claude works outside Xcode.

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Comparos Says

Apple’s move to bring full-fledged AI agents into Xcode signals a clear shift toward automation-first app development. By allowing trusted AI tools like Codex and Claude to actively modify and validate code, Xcode 26.3 could significantly speed up development workflows ,especially for large and complex projects.