Can Vibe Coded Apps Replace Adobe and Microsoft? These AI Apps Hope So
Software engineer Brandon Thomas has released a suite of free, open-source apps called ArtCraft that aim to replicate the functionality of expensive Adobe and Microsoft software. These tools are built using 'vibe coding,' a method that leverages AI to generate functional applications for users seeking alternatives to subscription-based models.
Why it matters
This trend highlights a growing consumer pushback against software subscription fatigue and the potential for AI to democratize software development, challenging the dominance of legacy tech giants.
The AI-made apps highlight people’s frustration with AI-bloated programs and increasingly expensive subscriptions.
Read full bio October 13, 2026, 6:33 pm ET
Vibe coding allows people to use AI to create new mobile and desktop apps. Adobe Stock In this current era of vibe coding — using AI to create mobile and desktop apps — it was probably only a matter of time until someone made free versions of popular apps. That happened this month when a Reddit user announced that he did so with popular but expensive Adobe and Microsoft programs.
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