The App Store is booming again, and AI may be why

Appfigures finds visual model launches generate 6.5x more downloads — but most don’t convert that spike into revenue.

Downey at home in LA with one of his channel’s frequent guest stars. | Image: The Verge; Shutterstock It's not hyperbole to call DualShot Recorder an overnight sensation. It took only 12 hours from the time it was released to hit number one on the App Store's list of top paid apps. It was a surprise success - but what's even more surprising is the app's origin story: it all started with a cadre of friendly neighborhood squirrels and their favorite caretaker. Derrick Downey Jr. built a career on short-form videos documenting his interactions with the squirrels that visit his patio in LA. His Instagram and TikTok accounts each have well over a million followers (myself included) who know well the regular cast of characters: Maxine, Richard, … Read the full story at The Verge.

Tim Cook plans to step down from his CEO role in September, handing the reins to hardware chief John Ternus.   Ternus may be inheriting one of the most durable businesses in tech, but he’s also stepping into a very different ecosystemthan the one Cook spent decades shaping. The App Store’s 30% cut is under pressure, the behind-the-scenes power Apple once […]

Apple quietly threatened to kick Elon Musk's AI app, Grok, from its App Store in January over its failure to curb the surge of nonconsensual sexual deepfakes flooding X, according to NBC News. It was a muted show of force from one of tech's most powerful gatekeepers, made behind closed doors even as the undressing crisis unfolded in full public view and criticism over Apple's cowardice mounted. In a letter obtained by NBC News, Apple told US senators it "contacted the teams behind both X and Grok after it received complaints and saw news coverage of the scandal" and demanded that the developers "create a plan to improve content moderation." … Read the full story at The Verge.

Apple’s all-new Apple Business platform is expected to launch as a free service in the US and 200 other countries starting today. It’s the go-to platform for small business seeking better management tools for their Apple tech and a great accompaniment to the millions migrating to the Mac with MacBook Neo. What is Apple Business Apple Business combines three previous business-related Apple services: Apple Business Connect, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Essentials.  What you get: Managed Apple accounts that separate private and company data with an identity service provider. The ability to configure employee and/or employee group hardware. Mobile Device Management tools to manage Mac, iPhone, and iPad settings and security. Tools to manage and deploy apps and settings using Blueprints and the App Store. Zero-touch deployment of new hardware. Brand management tools — include your business logo across Maps, Wallet, Mail and other Apple services. API-level automation access for

Anything is planning to launch a desktop companion app to aid mobile app development after its App Store removal.

The app was ranking No. 57 on the App Store just before Meta AI's new model launched. Now it's No. 5 — and rising.