These App Store hidden gems prove there’s still room for great software in the AI era
The article highlights a resurgence in independent app development, noting a significant increase in new app releases in 2026. It suggests that AI-assisted coding tools are enabling more creators to build and ship software, while recommending specific 'hidden gem' apps.
Why it matters
It challenges the narrative that AI will replace traditional apps, suggesting instead that AI is lowering the barrier to entry for software innovation.
Apps are back, or maybe they never left in the first place.
While some people debate whether people will shift away from apps as AI agents make accessing online services more efficient, we’ve found the App Store to be alive and well, with a recent explosion of fun, creative, and innovative tools, experiences, and other indie efforts.
Some of the more recent launches may be attributed to the rise of AI coding, which has enabled people to ship software more quickly, and allowed novices to participate in the app ecosystem. According to one report, new app launches have soared in 2026, with worldwide new app releases up 60% year-over-year as of the first quarter across both the Apple App Store and Google Play. On Apple’s iOS store alone, that figure was an even higher 80%.
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