Barring a sharp correction, Apple looks increasingly likely to miss out on a generation of developers conditioned to first reach for tools like Cursor, Replit, or v0—especially as Apple’s own AI tooling remains notably absent. This goes well beyond enabling new entrants to “vibe code”—experienced mobile developers who, despite history with Xcode and a predilection for building native apps, are begrudgingly swapping out their tools in acknowledgement of the inarguable productivity benefits.

I would say the tipping point has passed Apple by. As an institution they are unable or unwilling to self correct. High profit margins and market pressures won’t kick in until it’s far too late. (See Intel’s last decade of record profits before their recent collapse) The product of AI has come and passed Apple by. As a platform juggernaut they will use those platform and duopoly powers to hold tight and remain relevant.