App Store sees 84% surge in new apps as AI coding tools take off

Surge driven by AI coding tools

It has been reported that the App Store exploded with new submissions last year, fuelled in large part by a wave of AI-assisted coding. Sensor Tower data cited by The Information suggests new apps grew around 30% to nearly 600,000 versus 2024 — a sharp rebound after a 46% drop between 2016 and 2024. Tools like Anthropic’s Claude Code and OpenAI’s Codex — and a new class of “agentic” or “vibe” coding tools — are being credited with turning ideas into working apps far faster than before. Who knew coding could feel almost instantaneous?

Apple pushes back and leans on AI to cope

But not every new app is a welcome sight. It has been reported that Apple has recently pulled or blocked updates to iOS-based coding tools, including Anything and Replit, arguing some of these apps violate App Review rules and the Developer Program License. Apple says it objects to apps that allegedly generate interpreted code capable of changing an app’s primary purpose — a red line in its guidelines. At the same time, Apple denies that review times are ballooning and told reporters its review teams process 90% of submissions within 48 hours; it has also acknowledged using AI to help scale reviews. Tension and irony, all in one package.

Friction, opportunity, and WWDC on the horizon

Developers are split between exhilaration and frustration. Some hail vibe coding tools as a gateway — hobbyists and nonprogrammers can now build something real. Others warn these tools aren’t yet a turnkey path to a new business; they’re great for prototypes and small projects, not enterprise-ready launches. Apple has tried to meet the moment too: Xcode now supports coding models and agents, but those features still skew technical. With WWDC26 looming, will Apple refine its rules or double down on enforcement? Expect fireworks.

The human angle

There’s something electric here: people suddenly making apps who never thought they could. Delight, confusion, and regulatory griping — all the ingredients for a tech moment. As AI lowers the barrier to ship, the App Store faces a classic trade-off: openness versus control. Which will win? For developers and users alike, the next few months should be telling.

Sources: 9to5mac.com, Hacker News