Apple to Unleash AI Models to Developers, Aiming to Spur Innovation and Catch Rivals
Cupertino, California – May 20, 2025 – Apple is preparing to significantly open its artificial intelligence (AI) models to third-party developers, a strategic move poised to dramatically boost the creation of new applications and bolster its competitive standing in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The highly anticipated announcement is expected at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the iPhone maker is developing a new software development kit (SDK) and related frameworks. This will empower outside developers to build AI features using the very same large language models that power Apple Intelligence, the suite of AI capabilities – including email rewriting, notification summaries, and photo editing – that Apple rolled out last year.
This initiative marks a pivotal shift for Apple, which has been viewed by some analysts as lagging behind rivals like Samsung, leveraging Google’s AI, and the broader generative AI field. While developers previously had limited ability to integrate Apple Intelligence features, they haven’t been able to directly utilize Apple’s underlying AI models (known as Apple Foundation Models) to power their own distinct AI functionalities. This has often forced app makers to rely on third-party technologies or open-source offerings.
Initially, Apple plans to open access to its smaller AI models, which operate directly on its devices, rather than the more resource-intensive cloud-based models. This approach could differentiate Apple from competitors who rely heavily on server-side AI.
The move is seen as a deliberate effort to replicate the early success of the App Store, where opening up in-house technologies sparked a wave of innovation. By making its AI models simple to integrate, Apple aims to transform its operating systems into major platforms for AI development. For developers, this unlocks immense creative possibilities, potentially leading to groundbreaking applications that redefine user experiences. For everyday Apple users, it promises access to smarter, more productive, and more intelligent apps.
Beyond developer access, Apple is also reportedly working on an AI-powered battery management mode and an AI-infused Health app with a virtual wellness coach, though the latter is slated for 2026. This comprehensive strategy underscores Apple’s determination to advance its AI frontier and secure market dominance in an increasingly AI-driven tech world.