Apple App Store Releases Double to 560,000 in H1 as Downloads Rise 2%

3 articles · Updated · 9to5Mac · Jul 20

560,000 new apps hit Apple’s App Store in the first half of 2026, roughly double a year earlier, while downloads edged up just 2% to 17.6 billion, according to Sensor Tower data cited by the New York Times.
Accessible AI “vibecoding” tools are driving the submission boom by letting even first-time developers ship apps quickly, adding volume far faster than user demand is growing.
Marco Pérez built one app in about seven weeks that earned 1,300 downloads and $500 profit, then released Stampa in about a week; it has reached 20,000 downloads and about $3,000 profit.
Apple said review capacity remains intact despite the influx, with spokesman Peter Ajemian saying 90% of app submissions are reviewed within 48 hours and all apps face the same quality, privacy and security standards.
The mismatch between soaring app supply and modest download growth suggests AI is lowering barriers to entry faster than it is expanding the App Store audience.