The App Store is facing a potential bottleneck. A surge in app submissions, fueled by the rise of AI-powered coding tools – often referred to as “vibe coding” – is reportedly leading to longer review times, frustrating developers and raising questions about Apple’s ability to maintain its app quality standards. The trend highlights the challenges of balancing innovation with security and user experience in an era of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence.
Since the mainstream emergence of agentic coding in 2025, the number of iOS apps released in the US has seen a significant increase. Data from marketing intelligence firm Sensor Tower shows a 54.8% year-over-year growth in January, following a 56% increase in December – the highest rate in the past four years. While the exact proportion of these apps created with the assistance of AI-driven tools like vibe coding remains unclear, developers are increasingly utilizing these technologies to accelerate the app development process.
Vibe coding, which allows individuals with limited traditional programming experience to build functional software, has democratized app creation. Platforms like Lovable are even listing jobs specifically for professional vibe coders, signaling a growing market for this new skill set. However, this influx of new apps is putting a strain on Apple’s App Store review process, according to reports from developers.
Delays and Developer Concerns
James Steinberg, a 35-year-old vibe coder and cat sitter based in New York City, is experiencing these delays firsthand. He told time.news he believes the App Store is “overloaded with people like me submitting tons of apps.” Steinberg is currently waiting around six weeks for his latest app to go live and has experienced delays of two to seven days for updates to existing applications. “The slowest thing is now the Apple store – not making the app, not marketing,” he said. “Yeah, it’s pretty wild.”
Steinberg’s experience isn’t isolated. A thread of developers on the iOS programming subreddit have echoed similar concerns, reporting longer-than-usual approval times. Some users have expressed worry that Apple might tighten the review process to prevent low-quality or potentially harmful apps – often dubbed “AI slop” – from reaching consumers. This “AI slop” refers to content generated rapidly by AI that may be inaccurate, misleading, or simply poorly executed.
Apple’s Response and Review Process
Apple acknowledges the increased volume of submissions but maintains that the majority of apps are reviewed efficiently. In a statement, the company said that 90% of submissions are reviewed within 48 hours and over the last 12 weeks, it has processed over 200,000 app submissions per week with an average review time of 1.5 days. Apple also stated it is “excited to see new developers submitting apps.”
However, the perception of increased wait times persists, and the potential for stricter scrutiny is a growing concern within the developer community. The App Store review process is designed to ensure apps meet Apple’s guidelines regarding security, privacy, and functionality. These guidelines are publicly available on Apple’s developer website. Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines are regularly updated to address emerging threats and technologies.
The Challenge of “Curation at Scale”
Industry analysts believe Apple faces a significant challenge in adapting its review process to the age of AI-assisted app development. Dipanjan Chatterjee, a Forrester analyst, expects Apple to prioritize caution when approving apps. “A stricter process might frustrate developers, but it mitigates the amount of AI slop out there,” he said. However, he also cautioned that Apple cannot simply reject its way out of the problem.
“This is not a problem Apple can reject its way out of. as AI accelerates app creation, the company will have to evolve from artisanal gatekeeping to curation at scale,” Chatterjee explained. This suggests a need for more automated review tools and potentially a tiered system that prioritizes apps based on factors like developer reputation and the complexity of the code.
What is Vibe Coding?
Vibe coding represents a paradigm shift in software development. Unlike traditional coding, which requires extensive knowledge of programming languages, vibe coding utilizes natural language prompts and AI algorithms to generate functional code. As described in a Business Insider article, tools like Lovable allow users to create apps by simply describing their desired functionality. This accessibility has opened up app development to a wider audience, but also raises concerns about code quality and security.
Looking Ahead
Apple’s response to this evolving landscape will be crucial. The company will need to find a balance between fostering innovation and maintaining the integrity of the App Store ecosystem. The next few months will likely see Apple experimenting with new review processes and potentially investing in AI-powered tools to assist in app evaluation. Developers can expect continued scrutiny and may need to adapt their development workflows to meet Apple’s evolving standards.
The situation underscores a broader trend: the increasing influence of AI on software development and the need for platforms to adapt to this new reality. The App Store’s experience will likely serve as a case study for other app stores and digital platforms as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI-driven content creation.
What are your thoughts on the impact of AI on app development? Share your comments below, and let us know how these changes are affecting you.
