App Store sees 84% surge in new apps as AI coding tools take off
9to5mac.com
April 9, 2026
4 min read
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44/100
Summary
The App Store has experienced an 84% increase in new app submissions due to the rise of AI coding tools. Despite a 46% decline in new app submissions from 2016 to 2024, the number of new apps globally has surged significantly.
Key Takeaways
- The App Store experienced an 84% surge in new app submissions, with nearly 600,000 new apps added in the past year, largely due to the rise of AI coding tools.
- AI coding tools like Anthropic’s Claude Code and OpenAI’s Codex enable nonprogrammers to create apps using written prompts and help skilled programmers produce more code efficiently.
- Apple is facing challenges with app review times amid the increase in submissions, although the company claims it processes 90% of submissions within 48 hours.
- Apple has blocked or pulled updates from certain AI-based coding apps that violate App Review Guidelines, indicating ongoing scrutiny of how these tools generate code.
Community Sentiment
Positives
- AI-driven platforms are enabling individuals with no coding experience to bring their app ideas to life, democratizing app development and fulfilling personal aspirations.
- The potential for drastically reduced development costs could transform how users discover and interact with apps, similar to TikTok's impact on video content.
Concerns
- The surge in new apps may lead to a flood of low-quality applications, as evidenced by the proliferation of trivial ideas without substantial value.
- There is a lack of concrete examples of successful apps created through AI coding tools, raising questions about their practical impact in the market.
