These App Store hidden gems prove there’s still room for great software in the AI era

🇺🇸 TechCrunch·Jul 28, 20262:16 PM EDT·EN·5 min read
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Original

Dezain Radar summary

New independent applications are thriving on the App Store, challenging the notion that AI agents will immediately replace specialized software. These releases prioritize niche utility and human-centric experiences, such as community marketplaces and digital journaling, over broad automation.

Why this matters

It shows that high-quality UX and specialized utility remain competitive even as LLMs dominate the tech conversation. Designers can look to these examples to see how software can provide value through craft rather than just AI integration.

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