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AI-powered programming tools like Claude Code and OpenAI Codex are driving a massive increase in new app submissions to the App Store. At the same time, Apple is tightening its review process for certain Vibe coding apps.
For years, the number of new app submissions to the App Store steadily declined – by a total of 46 percent between 2016 and 2024. But since last year, this trend has radically reversed: According to a report by The Information, based on data from the analytics company Sensor Tower, the number of new apps in the App Store increased by 84 percent in the first quarter of 2026. The increase had already been 30 percent in 2025, which translated to around 600,000 new apps. The main reason: AI-powered coding tools that are fundamentally changing programming.
The term "Vibe Coding" has established itself in recent months as a name for a new type of app development. It refers to the creation of functional apps using AI tools that respond to natural language instructions – without requiring traditional programming skills. Tools like Anthropic's Claude Code and OpenAI's Codex enable non-programmers to build their own apps, while experienced developers multiply their productivity.
According to Abraham Yousef, Senior Insights Analyst at Sensor Tower, the explosive increase coincides exactly with the wider availability of such agent-based coding tools. Apple itself commented to The Information that the rise underscores the continued relevance of the App Store.
Apple responds with AI-powered testing
The flood of new apps is posing challenges for Apple's app review team. While the company denies that review times have increased – claiming that 90 percent of all submissions are processed within 48 hours, with an average review time of 1.5 days – the sheer volume is considerable: In the past twelve weeks, the team has processed over 200,000 app submissions per week.
To manage this volume, Apple is increasingly relying on its own AI tools to support the review process. While each submission is still reviewed by a human, the AI handles preliminary analysis steps. Apple's approach to the App Store has been subject to regular updates to its developer guidelines in the past.
At the same time, Apple is tightening the rules
Paradoxically, Apple is profiting from the vibe-coding boom, but at the same time is actively cracking down on certain apps created with these very tools. In recent weeks, Apple has removed several vibe-coding apps, such as "Anything" and "Replit," from the App Store or blocked their updates.
The reason: These apps generate interpreted code at runtime, which can alter their actual function – a violation of Apple's app review guidelines and developer license terms. Apple thus clearly distinguishes between apps built with AI tools (permitted) and apps that act as a platform and generate their own code (problematic).
New Developers, higher volume – but also more risk
The rise of new apps presents both opportunities and risks for the Apple ecosystem. On the positive side, it democratizes app development: More people than ever before can realize their own ideas and publish them in the App Store. This strengthens the diversity of the offerings and could, in the long term, give rise to new business models.
On the other hand, the challenge of maintaining the quality and security of the App Store is growing. Lowering the barrier to entry potentially increases the number of low-quality or unsafe apps. Apple's strategy—AI-powered review coupled with stricter guidelines—demonstrates that the company is actively trying to manage this balancing act.
Apple is expected to further clarify its position at WWDC 2026 in June. It is anticipated that Apple will adapt its App Store guidelines to the new development patterns – particularly for apps based on AI-generated code. Apple recently updated Xcode with support for coding models and agents, but this update is primarily aimed at technically skilled developers. (Image: Apple)
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