From the new Foundation Models framework to advanced Xcode AI integration, Liquid Glass UI, and major gaming and accessibility updates, Apple is redefining how developers build for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS.
Build Smarter with Foundation Models
Apple has introduced the Foundation Models framework, giving developers direct access to on-device Apple Intelligence. These privacy-preserving models power natural language, generation, and tool-calling abilities — all Swift-native and as easy to use as three lines of code.
Apps like Day One are already using this to create intelligent journaling experiences that run offline and uphold user privacy.
AI Comes to Xcode 26
Xcode 26 now integrates large language models like ChatGPT directly into the development workflow. Developers can:
- Autocomplete code
- Generate documentation
- Build previews
- Fix errors
- Iterate designs
- Use local or third-party models
With Coding Tools and inline prompts, Xcode becomes an AI-powered co-pilot that accelerates productivity while keeping the developer in control. The new voice control features even allow dictating Swift code and navigating the interface hands-free.
A New Era of Design with Liquid Glass
The new system-wide design language, Liquid Glass, offers a visually expressive and dynamic interface. Developers can apply this aesthetic using SwiftUI and the new Icon Composer, which provides advanced controls for layering, tinting, blurring, and previewing app icons.
This makes it easier than ever to build cohesive, beautiful apps across all Apple devices — from iPhone to Apple Vision Pro.
App Intents + Visual Intelligence
App Intents now support visual intelligence, allowing apps to be discovered through spatial and visual search interfaces. Etsy is already using this to help users visually discover hard-to-describe handmade goods directly from search results.
Apps can now integrate deeper into Siri, Spotlight, widgets, and system controls, making them more accessible and context-aware than ever.
Swift 6.2: Smarter, Simpler, and Web Ready
Swift 6.2 continues Apple’s focus on concurrency and performance, with:
- Easier single-threaded code via default main-actor configuration
- Interoperability with C++, Java, and JavaScript
- WebAssembly support, opening the door to browser-based Swift apps
New Gaming Tech: Metal 4, Game Porting Toolkit 3, and Apple Games App
Game developers get a massive upgrade with:
- Metal 4, optimised for Apple silicon, enabling neural network-driven shaders, ray tracing, and frame interpolation
- Game Porting Toolkit 3, now with on-screen Metal Performance HUD and Mac Remote Developer Tools for Windows
- Game Overlay, letting players track achievements, scores, and friend activity without leaving the game
- Managed Background Assets, simplifying how games download and manage content
Apple also launched the new Apple Games app, a central hub for players and a tool for developers to reengage users with challenges and in-app events.
Powerful Dev Tools for Privacy and Protection
Developers now have access to the Declared Age Range API, allowing them to deliver age-appropriate content without collecting sensitive personal information. It complements existing child safety features like parental controls and the Sensitive Content Analysis framework.
The Accessibility Nutrition Labels also help developers showcase support for assistive features like VoiceOver, Captions, and Voice Control directly on their App Store product page.
More Features Across the Stack
- Containerization Framework: Run Linux container images natively on Mac with secure isolation.
- App Store Connect: View TestFlight screenshots and crash logs, receive feedback notifications, and configure webhooks via API.
- Public beta of developer tools and OS updates: Rolling out next month via the Apple Beta Software Program.
This is one of Apple’s most significant developer-focused updates in years. From intelligent code generation and stunning visual design to enhanced game engines and privacy-preserving AI, Apple is providing developers with an unparalleled toolkit to shape the future of apps and experiences across devices.
