Amazon May Adopt AI Coding Tool Cursor Amid Employee Backing

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04 Jun 2025
5 min read

News Synopsis

Amazon is reportedly evaluating the AI-powered coding tool Cursor for official internal adoption, following significant employee interest. According to internal communications accessed by Business Insider, numerous Amazon developers have expressed a desire to use Cursor at work.

A senior HR manager acknowledged this enthusiasm, confirming that “the company is in discussions with Cursor’s team and hopes to bring it in soon,” though the tool must first pass Amazon’s stringent security reviews.

Why Cursor is Generating Buzz Inside Amazon

Cursor’s rising popularity is especially notable since Amazon typically limits the use of third-party AI tools. The tech giant already offers internal AI assistants like Q, Cedric, and the upcoming Kiro. Despite these, developers seem to favor Cursor for its superior performance.

In a dedicated Slack channel, a poll revealed over 60 votes for Cursor, while Amazon’s in-house Windsurf tool received just around 10. One developer described it as “cool” that Amazon is open to using a tool like Cursor even though similar internal alternatives exist.

Cursor vs Amazon’s Internal AI Tools

Speed Matters Most to Developers

Employees cited speed as a major differentiator. One staffer noted that “changes with Cursor happen almost instantly, while Amazon’s own Q takes several minutes” for similar tasks.

Cursor’s Growing Credibility in the Industry

Cursor was developed by AI startup Anysphere, which recently secured $900 million in funding, lifting its valuation to $9 billion. The tool is already used by leading companies like Stripe, Shopify, and Instacart.

Executive-Level Attention & External Validation

Cursor’s influence reached the top brass as Amazon CEO Andy Jassy referenced it in a recent earnings call, highlighting it as an example of how “AI tools are reshaping how developers work.”

What’s Next for Cursor Inside Amazon?

Though Amazon hasn’t released an official statement, internal signs strongly suggest that Cursor may soon become a part of its developer toolkit, especially given the continued and growing demand from employees.

Conclusion: Cursor Could Mark a Shift in Amazon’s AI Strategy

Amazon’s potential adoption of Cursor indicates a meaningful shift in how the tech giant embraces external innovation. While it has historically relied on in-house AI tools like Q and Cedric, employee preferences for Cursor’s performance and ease of use are reshaping internal priorities.

As Cursor continues to prove its efficiency, especially when benchmarked against Amazon's own tools, its integration could redefine developer productivity within the company. With Amazon already in talks with Anysphere and security evaluations underway, the company might soon officially adopt a third-party AI tool — a rare move. If greenlit, Cursor will not only enhance Amazon’s internal AI capabilities but also signal a more flexible approach to embracing cutting-edge developer tools from outside the company.

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