Overview
Apple has released Xcode 26 Beta 7 with updates focused on integrated coding assistance. According to Apple’s release notes at https://developer.apple.com/documentation/xcode-release-notes/xcode-26-release-notes, ChatGPT in Xcode now supports GPT-5 alongside GPT-4.1, and Claude support is available through in-app settings. The additions expand model choice directly within the editor while also acknowledging external and local model workflows.
ChatGPT in Xcode: GPT‑5 becomes the default
Xcode now allows new conversations to start with either GPT‑5 or GPT‑4.1. Apple identifies GPT‑5 as the default option, offering two selectable variants:
- GPT‑5: described by Apple as optimized for quick, high‑quality results intended to suit most coding tasks.
- GPT‑5 (Reasoning): designed to spend more time “thinking” before responding, to handle more complex prompts.
This split gives developers a way to trade speed for deeper reasoning without leaving the Xcode environment.
Claude integration via Intelligence settings
Claude support is exposed in Xcode’s Intelligence settings panel. Users can add an existing paid Claude account and select Claude Sonnet 4 for coding tasks. The integration makes Claude an in-editor option rather than a separate workflow.
Apple indicates that when Xcode 26 officially launches, coding help will be available from either ChatGPT or Claude, giving teams the ability to select the preferred provider within the app.
Third‑party and local models
Beyond ChatGPT and Claude, Apple notes that developers can bring API keys from other providers, or run local models on Apple silicon Macs. That flexibility aligns hosted services with private or on‑device setups, though no additional technical details are provided in the announcement.
What’s specified—and what isn’t
The release provides a clear outline of available model choices and where to configure them, but it does not detail evaluation metrics, latency targets, or cost implications associated with third‑party usage. It also does not discuss fine‑tuning, context window sizes, or project‑level configuration beyond the presence of the Intelligence settings panel. A date for the “official” Xcode 26 launch was not included in the provided materials.
Availability
Xcode 26 Beta 7 was posted on August 28, 2025, with the feature set outlined in Apple’s release notes. No pricing information or final release date was disclosed in the source material.
TL;DR
- GPT‑5 is now available in Xcode’s ChatGPT integration and set as the default
- Two GPT‑5 variants: standard and GPT‑5 (Reasoning) for more complex tasks
- New conversations can still start with GPT‑4.1
- Claude appears in the app’s Intelligence settings panel
- Claude usage requires an existing paid account; supports Claude Sonnet 4
- Xcode 26 will support coding help from either ChatGPT or Claude at official launch
- Developers can add API keys from other providers or run local models on Apple silicon Macs
- Posted August 28, 2025; no pricing or final launch date disclosed
