Since "agent-based programming" entered the mainstream in 2025, a phenomenon known as "vibe coding" has quickly gained popularity among developers. This model allows almost anyone to rapidly generate applications through natural language descriptions.
However, according to data from market intelligence firm Sensor Tower, this low-barrier approach to creation is causing a sharp increase in app submissions to the App Store. In just January of this year, the number of new iOS apps launched in the US increased by 54.8% year-over-year, reaching a four-year high, which has placed unprecedented pressure on Apple's review system.
Longer Review Queues: The Pain of Transitioning from "Craftsmanship" to "Scalable Curation"
The influx of AI-generated "vibe apps" has directly led to extended review times for Apple. Some independent developers have reported that the time it takes to launch an app has increased from a few days to several weeks, with some developers stating they have been waiting for more than six weeks. Although Apple officially claims that 90% of apps are still reviewed within 48 hours, concerns about "AI slop" filling the platform are growing within the community.
Analysts point out that Apple may be forced to tighten its review standards, shifting from meticulous manual oversight to a more scalable automated curation system to filter out low-quality content.
New Jobs Emerge: Platforms like Lovable Are Recruiting "Professional Vibe Programmers"
Although the review process faces bottlenecks, "vibe coding" is evolving into a real career path. Platforms such as Lovable have already started publicly recruiting "professional vibe programmers" who are willing to take this as their full-time profession.
This shift means that the focus of programming is moving from "writing code" to "describing intent" and "curating aesthetics." For Apple, how to balance ecosystem quality, security, and the encouragement of new technologies will be the core challenge facing its app store policies in 2026.
