Apple lays foundation for agentic AI with MCP support

Apple

Apple is preparing its platforms for agentic AI by integrating support for the Model Context Protocol (MCP) in the upcoming iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1 updates. MCP, an open standard developed by Anthropic, is designed to let AI systems securely access apps and data. Its adoption by Apple marks an important step in enabling AI agents to perform complex tasks within the company’s ecosystem.

MCP has already been adopted by major platforms including Google, Notion, Zapier, OpenAI, and Salesforce. It allows AI assistants to connect with software tools in a controlled, standardised way, giving them the ability to act on user data while maintaining security and privacy. By bringing MCP to its operating systems, Apple is positioning its devices to support future AI-driven workflows.

Integration will likely happen through App Intents, Apple’s existing framework for enabling apps to share actions and data. This means that once the system is in place, AI agents such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini could perform tasks directly within iPhone, iPad, and Mac apps. Examples include scheduling calendar appointments, pulling data into spreadsheets, or even building applications from Figma designs.

The current developer betas show early signs of MCP support, but the rollout appears to be in the initial stages. Full adoption will take time as app developers update their software to be MCP-compatible. Apple is expected to provide further documentation and guidance for developers as the standard becomes more widely supported.

The implications are significant. By enabling AI agents to collaborate with apps securely, Apple devices could become powerful tools for automated productivity. Imagine asking an AI assistant to plan a trip, book hotels, create a budget, and generate itineraries directly across multiple apps. MCP makes this type of integrated workflow feasible.

Eligible devices for iOS 26.1 include iPhone 12 models and later, as well as the second-generation iPhone SE onwards. iPadOS and macOS support will follow similar hardware cut-offs, ensuring that most recent Apple devices can participate.

Although still early, Apple’s move signals a recognition that agentic AI will play a central role in computing. By adopting an open standard like MCP, Apple is aligning with the broader industry while laying the groundwork for its own AI ambitions.