During its recent WWDC 2026 Platforms State of the Union, Apple unveiled significant updates to its developer tools and platforms, with a strong focus on expanding the Foundation Models framework. Developers with fewer than two million first-time App Store downloads will now have free access to Apple Foundation Models on Private Cloud Compute, eliminating infrastructure costs for AI-powered features. The framework has also been enhanced with image input support, server-side model integration for third-party models like Claude and Gemini, and a Dynamic Profiles system for multi-agent workflows. An open-source release is planned for later this summer.
Apple introduced Core AI, a new framework for running custom on-device models, complete with ahead-of-time compilation and tools for converting PyTorch models to Apple silicon, enhancing Siri’s capabilities. App Intents and Siri have been updated with new schemas for natural language discoverability and a View Annotations API for conversational interactions.
Xcode 27 has been streamlined, now 30% smaller and exclusive to Apple silicon, featuring iCloud settings sync, customizable toolbars, and a new Device Hub. Liquid Glass design language is now mandatory, with refined aesthetics and user customization options. With macOS Tahoe marking the end of Intel support, developers can release Apple silicon-only binaries.
iOS apps are now resizable on iPad and iPhone Mirroring, hinting at a foldable iPhone. SwiftUI updates include reorderable containers and enhanced layout speeds. Swift 6.4 introduces new features like async support and improved diagnostics. Notion is transitioning to SwiftUI for better performance. The Game Porting Toolkit and MLX framework have received major updates, while the Spatial Preview framework allows Mac apps to extend 3D models into real space for Apple Vision Pro users.
Apple is also set to open its fifth Developer Center in Berlin this fall.
