App Development 15 January 2026 - 17 January 2026

Apple and Google strike UK CMA app-store deal — what changes for developers
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Apple and Google strike UK CMA app-store deal — what changes for developers

Apple and Google have pledged to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority to make their app stores more transparent for British developers, with changes covering app reviews, rankings, and developer data. The commitments, due April 1, follow new UK digital market rules. Apple also promised easier access to iOS system features. The CMA said it is still considering tougher action on app store commissions and payment rules.
February 10, 2026
Micro-app boom: AI “vibe coding” lets non-programmers build apps instead of buying them
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Micro-app boom: AI “vibe coding” lets non-programmers build apps instead of buying them

AI tools are letting non-programmers build custom “micro apps” for personal use, bypassing subscription software. Developers warn these apps are often insecure and hard to maintain. Tech companies report a surge in user-built tools for tasks like restaurant picking and hobby planning. Industry leaders say most of these apps are temporary and fragile.
January 17, 2026
2025 App Downloads Drop to 106.9B, But Spending Jumps to $155.8B as Subscriptions Surge
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2025 App Downloads Drop to 106.9B, But Spending Jumps to $155.8B as Subscriptions Surge

Global app downloads dropped 2.7% in 2025 to 106.9 billion, the fifth straight annual decline, according to Appfigures. Despite this, consumer spending surged 21.6% to a record $155.8 billion, with non-game apps generating more revenue than games for the first time. Subscriptions and in-app purchases drove the increase. The full Appfigures report has not yet been released.
January 15, 2026