Technologies

App Store Experiences a Resurgence, With AI as a Potential Catalyst

Contrary to predictions that AI would render mobile apps obsolete, new app launches are surging, with iOS seeing an 80% year-over-year increase in Q1 2026, potentially driven by AI lowering development barriers.

The narrative that artificial intelligence would spell the end for mobile applications appears to be incorrect, as the volume of newly launched apps is experiencing a significant surge.

Data from analytics firm Appfigures reveals that global app deployments during the initial three months of 2026 increased by 60% compared to the same period last year, spanning both Apple’s App Store and Google Play. When isolating the iOS ecosystem, this growth rate climbed to an impressive 80%. Early data for April 2026 shows a staggering 104% jump in total app releases across both platforms year-over-year, with iOS seeing an 89% rise.

Echoing this trend, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Greg «Joz» Joswiak, recently remarked in an interview that predictions regarding the demise of the App Store in the era of artificial intelligence «may have been greatly exaggerated.»

These statistics surface amidst widespread speculation that the proliferation of AI chatbots and autonomous agents might cause users to abandon traditional applications. This perspective has been voiced by industry figures such as Nothing CEO Carl Pei, who is currently developing a smartphone tailored for the AI epoch. Furthermore, The New York Times previously highlighted the potential for emerging computing forms, including smart eyewear, ambient devices, and AI-enhanced watches, to surpass smartphones.

In a notable development, OpenAI is reportedly collaborating with renowned Apple designer Jony Ive on a new AI-focused hardware product.

Conversely, an alternative theory suggests that artificial intelligence is lowering the barrier to entry for app development, potentially triggering a renaissance for the App Store. This emerging wave could be spearheaded by innovators with creative concepts but lacking traditional coding expertise.

According to Appfigures’ analytics, specific app categories are experiencing heightened development activity.

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While mobile gaming continues to dominate the landscape for new app deployments globally in Q1 2026, mirroring previous trends, «productivity» tools have successfully entered the top five this year. The «utilities» sector has climbed to the second position, while «lifestyle» applications have advanced from fifth to third place last year. Completing the top five are «health and fitness» applications.

Technologies

The Fourth Episode of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Out

Verum Messenger has released the fourth episode of its AI mini-series SHADOWS, created using Verum AI. The new episode, titled “No Borders,” continues the story of a team trying to stay out of the OMEGA corporation’s sight.

Following the events of the previous episodes, the team moves between cities and countries while OMEGA continues its search. The new episode puts particular emphasis on Verum Messenger’s capabilities that allow users to conceal their location.

“No Borders” is another chapter in a story about privacy, freedom of communication, and technologies that erase borders between people.

The VERUM AI mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 4 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on Instagram
Watch on YouTube