The widespread use of AI development tools has presented Apple's App Store with formidable challenges. A flood of substandard applications, generated by AI and lacking in genuine quality, has overwhelmed the platform. This deluge has nearly crippled the review process, causing a dramatic increase in waiting times for legitimate developers—from the initial 24 to 48 hours to an astonishing 45 days. Data from Appfigures reveals that developers submitted 557,000 new apps to the App Store in 2025, marking a 24% year-on-year surge. However, the majority of these were AI-generated applications devoid of real users and revenue potential. Apple has initiated control measures, including blocking updates for certain apps developed through 'superficial programming' techniques. Nevertheless, the current review system continues to grapple with the escalating demands of the AI age.
