- Xcode 26.3 RC now has agent AI support – full release coming soon
- Anthropic Claude Agent and OpenAI Codex are fully integrated
- Xcode’s capabilities are also made available via MCP
Apple has announced a major upgrade as part of Xcode 26.3, which brings more powerful AI coding to the platform, including agent AI to automate some of the tasks that require less human supervision.
The IDE, which was built by Apple specifically for developing apps for Apple products, now supports Anthropic’s Claude Agent and OpenAI’s Codex directly in the interface.
Xcode already had some limited ChatGPT and Claude integration, but version 26.3 expands this by giving agents access to more of Xcode’s tools natively.
Xcode is getting an agent upgrade
In an announcement, Apple outlined how AI agents can be used to write and modify code, build projects, run tests, detect bugs and search Apple’s latest developer documentation, which could make it easier to jump through the hoops already in place to ensure apps comply with the iPhone maker’s guidance and standards.
The company even worked with third parties to maximize token usage to ensure both efficient performance and lower operating costs. And for maximum interoperability (a new and very welcome trend in Big Tech), Apple is also making Xcode’s capabilities available via the industry standard MCP.
“Agent coding increases productivity and creativity and streamlines development workflow so developers can focus on innovation,” wrote Susan Prescott, VP of Worldwide Developer Relations.
For the end user, a drop-down menu lets them choose their preferred model version from the two AI companies. An initial setup to link accounts is required.
Xcode 26.3 is currently available as a release candidate for members of the Apple Developer Program, with general availability set to “soon”.
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