App Store 2026: 9.8% of apps mention AI, 20.3% unupdated for a year

An analysis of 178,637 charting apps across 173 countries found 9.8% mention AI in their listings, rising to 43% in Graphics & Design, and apps with in-app purchases are three times as likely to cite AI as free apps. Meanwhile, 20.3% have gone a year or more without an update, and independent developers account for 67.3% of charting apps with ratings matching big publishers.

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