AI Coding Tools Drive App Store Surge as Apple Tightens Review Rules

The App Store is seeing a sharp rise in new app submissions as AI coding tools make development faster and easier. At the same time, Apple is increasing its focus on app review standards and using AI to manage the growing workload.

The Information reports that new app submissions had dropped 46% between 2016 and 2024. However, the trend reversed last year, with new apps growing 30% to nearly 600,000 globally.

The report links this surge to AI coding tools such as Claude Code and Codex. These tools allow developers and even nonprogrammers to build apps using simple prompts. As a result, more people can create apps without deep coding knowledge, while experienced developers can work faster.

Abraham Yousef, senior insights analyst at Sensor Tower, said, “We’ve seen an explosive growth of new apps over the past year. It aligns with a broader release of agentic coding tools that remove prior difficulties of creating apps.”

Apple told The Information that the surge reflects the continued importance of the App Store.

The Information also reports that Apple has started taking action against some AI-based coding apps. The company recently removed or blocked updates to apps like Anything and Replit. Apple says these apps violate its App Review Guidelines and Developer Program rules.

The issue centers on apps that generate code which can change their core function after approval. Apple does not allow this behavior as it can affect user safety and platform control.

The Information notes that developers have raised concerns about longer review times. Elon Musk wrote, “iOS App Review delays are getting ridiculous.”

Apple denied these claims. The company said it reviews 90% of submissions within 48 hours and handles over 200,000 apps each week. Apple also confirmed that it now uses AI tools to support human reviewers and manage the increased volume.