Top 10 Developer Tools Apple introduced at WWDC25

WWDC25 has wrapped up, and after watching over 50 sessions and participating in labs, I’ve compiled the most exciting developer-focused announcements from this year’s conference. Here are the 10 standout features that will transform how we build apps for Apple platforms.

1. Foundation Models: On-Device AI

The biggest game-changer this year is Foundation Models – Apple’s on-device AI framework that brings powerful 3-billion parameter models directly to your apps. What makes this special?

• Privacy-first: Everything runs on-device with no server delays

• Structured output: Use the @Generable macro to guarantee typed responses

• Tool calling: AI can interact with your app’s functions automatically

• Partial results: Update your UI as responses generate in real-time

Related Sessions

• Meet the Foundation Models framework

• Deep dive into the Foundation Models framework

• Explore prompt design & safety for on-device foundation models

• Bring on-device AI to your app using Foundation Models

2. Xcode Gets ChatGPT Integration

Apple surprised everyone by integrating ChatGPT directly into Xcode instead of their promised Swift Assist. This brings:

• Native AI assistance with code generation and documentation

• Support for multiple AI providers (ChatGPT, Claude, local models)

• Git-like history for AI changes to revert changes easily

• Context-aware code suggestions (like document, explain, etc.)

The #Playground macro also transforms debugging – create SwiftUI preview-style playgrounds for any data type, not just views. Great for prompt engineering!

Related Sessions

• What’s new in Xcode

• Optimize SwiftUI performance with Instruments

• Record, replay, and review: UI automation with Xcode

3. SwiftUI WebView Finally Arrives

After years of requests, WebView is now native in SwiftUI:

WebView(url: URL(string: "https://swift.org")!)

Combined with the new WebPage type for advanced control, including JavaScript execution and scroll synchronization. This opens up hybrid app experiences that were previously complex to implement – and required UIKit/AppKit bridging.

Related Sessions

• Meet WebKit for SwiftUI

• What’s new in SwiftUI

• What’s new in Safari and WebKit

• What’s new for the spatial web

4. AlarmKit: Third-Party Alarm Apps

AlarmKit breaks through focus modes and system restrictions, enabling:

• True alarm apps that can wake users

• Live Activities integration (required) for snooze functionality

• Custom alarm sounds and experiences possible

• Perfect for timers, wake up alarms, and prayer/medication reminder apps

Related Session

• Wake up to the AlarmKit API

5. App Store Connect Analytics Overhaul

App Store Connect gets a major upgrade:

• Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) finally available

• New Analytics APIs for third-party tools

• Offer codes for non-subscription products (on all platforms)

• Improved navigation with analytics moved into individual apps

Related Sessions

• What’s new in App Store Connect

• Optimize your monetization with App Analytics

• What’s new in StoreKit and In-App Purchase

• Automate your development process with the Connect API

6. visionOS Spatial Revolution

Major visionOS improvements include:

• Persistence: Widgets, windows, and volumes stay pinned between sessions

• Nearby sharing: Multi-user shared experiences in the same room

• APMP support: 180°, 360°, and Wide FOV spatial video support

• Enhanced SwiftUI 3D layout tools making development easier

• Swift Charts 3D: Bring dimensional data visualization to spatial apps

Related Sessions

• What’s new in widgets

• What’s new in visionOS 26

• Explore video experiences for visionOS

• Bring Swift Charts to the third dimension

7. Swift 6 Concurrency Made Approachable

Approachable concurrency solves Swift 6 adoption issues:

• Default @MainActor isolation reduces warnings

• Gradual opt-in to concurrency with @concurrent

• Finally makes Swift 6 migration realistic for existing app projects

Related Sessions

• What’s new in Swift

• Embracing Swift concurrency

• Elevate an app with Swift concurrency

8. Wi-Fi Aware: Beyond Bluetooth

Wi-Fi Aware enables experiences like AirPlay/AirDrop:

• High-performance local communication

• Greater range than Bluetooth, cross-platform standard

• Support for more simultaneous connections (AirPods-like)

• Perfect for media streaming and multiplayer experiences

Related Session

• Supercharge device connectivity with Wi-Fi Aware

9. String Catalog Enhancements

Localization gets more accurate & more flexible:

• AI-generated comments for translation context

• String symbols with auto-completion (for manual strings)

• Multi-select operations for bulk updates (including new refactor)

Related Sessions

• Explore localization with Xcode

10. Icon Composer & Layered Icons

The new Icon Composer app creates:

• Layered icons with up to 4 layers with built-in effects

• Preview all icon styles (including controversial “clear” style)

• Unified .icon file format to drop to Xcode

• Can also export flat images for marketing purposes

Related Sessions

• Create icons with Icon Composer

• Say hello to the new look of app icons

• Meet Liquid Glass

• Get to know the new design system

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Watch the Full Breakdown

This article covers only a small fraction of new APIs, but there’s so much more to explore in my comprehensive video breakdown. I go through everything new that’s interesting and share my perspective on what will matter most for your apps:

What are you most excited to implement in your apps? Let me know in the comments on YouTube or on other socials (links below)!