App Store sees 60% year‑on‑year surge in new AI‑enhanced apps in 2026

New app releases jumped 60% year‑on‑year in the first quarter of 2026 across both the Apple App Store and Google Play, with iOS alone showing an 80% increase, according to a recent report. The rise is linked to AI‑assisted coding tools that let developers ship software faster and enable newcomers to join the app ecosystem. While some observers warn that AI‑generated apps could clutter stores with lower‑quality offerings, many innovative tools are gaining traction. Examples highlighted include Albo, a bookmarking app that automatically saves and categorises social‑media content, and other indie projects that embed AI under the hood without overt promotion.

The trend reflects a broader revival of the app model in the AI era, suggesting that despite debates about AI agents replacing traditional apps, the marketplace remains vibrant and continues to attract creative developers.