The App Economy Is Thriving
Monday, April 20, 2026 by Brittany Hainzinger
The app economy keeps accelerating, generating jobs, revenues, and new services for consumers and businesses. Drawing on market data and a national survey of 1,250 U.S. app based business leaders, this press release outlines why the ecosystem is strong, what risks could slow it down, and how balanced policy can protect consumers while preserving innovation and growth.
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AI generated scams and phishing in 2026
Monday, January 5, 2026 by Austin Harris
David Stonehill, CTO, NetLib Security offers his insight into what 2026 will hold for us in the way of AI scams.
By 2026, AI-generated scams and phishing will be virtually indistinguishable from legitimate apps, storefronts, and communications making detection alone unreliable. App developers will need to design for breach resilience using MFA, passkeys, AI-driven se...
App development in 2026: Vickie Chen of AviaGames weighs in
Tuesday, December 23, 2025 by Vickie Chen
Now more than ever, consumers have demanded tech companies be more involved and transparent in social and philanthropic causes, using their resources to give back to those that need it the most.
App development in 2026
As the CEO of Avia, a leading developer on the forefront of skill - based mobile games, my 2026 prediction is that more app developers and publishe...
2026 redesigned: What is next for developers
Monday, December 22, 2025 by Austin Harris
Matt Tubergen, EVP of Global Strategy & Partnerships at Digital Turbine, shares (below) his 2026 outlook for software, and the technology industry at large.
What I'm seeing today is a reorganization of the mobile economy driven by changes in consumer spending and global market dynamics, as well as the overwhelming integration of Artificial Intelligence into, ...
Agentic AI disruption of the dev workflow
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 by Richard Harris
As a lifelong programmer, I find myself living in two worlds at once: one where AI has become an essential co-pilot in my daily work, and another where its limitations still remind me who’s actually steering the ship. Every day I see firsthand how machine learning models and coding assistants can accelerate development, generate insights, and even spark creativity...
It's time for more Siri openness in the Apple ecosystem
Monday, November 17, 2025 by Vira Tkachenko
Siri’s long-awaited personalized upgrade won’t arrive until 2026, putting Apple even further behind in the industry AI race and frustrating users. While many think Big Tech giants OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft will continue to be leaders for years to come, Apple has an opportunity to join the ranks.
Unlike its competitors, Apple’s unique vision for ...
Key iOS app development trends for developers in 2025 and beyond
Thursday, November 6, 2025 by Russ Scritchfield
The pace of change within Apple's ecosystem is accelerating, demanding constant adaptation from developers who build for its platforms. For iOS app developers, keeping up with emerging development trends is not merely about adopting the latest technology; it is a matter of commercial survival. As Apple continues to release new versions of iOS, the distinction betwee...
Kids app design shifting from limits to long-term learning
Monday, October 27, 2025 by Richard Harris
Excessive screen time among kids has been shown to have detrimental impacts. Tragically, research shows that even kids as young as nine or ten who spend more time on screens face a higher risk of developing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
That’s why, in an attempt to hold Big Tech accountable, bipartisan legislation has been introduced in t...
Instagram releases official iPad app with optimized tablet experience
Friday, October 17, 2025 by Trey Abbe
Instagram has officially launched its dedicated iPad app, providing a more optimized and immersive experience for tablet users. Previously, Instagram on iPad relied on scaled-up versions of the iPhone app, which limited functionality and user interface efficiency. According to Meta, the company behind Instagram, the new iPad app is designed to take full advantage of lar...
Descope to host Global MCP Hackathon
Thursday, October 16, 2025 by Brittany Hainzinger
Descope is launching the Global MCP Hackathon, a worldwide developer event focused on building secure, identity-aware AI agents and Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers. The competition spans from August 12 through September 10, with the winners announced later that month. Offering more than $100,000 in cash prizes and developer credits, the event brings together develo...
Developer centric strategies for deploying AI models in production
Monday, October 13, 2025 by Austin Harris
Ed Charbeneau, in a recent discussion, highlighted practical strategies for deploying AI models in production. Known for his work as Principal Developer Advocate at Progress Software, Charbeneau emphasized managing non-deterministic AI behavior, integrating agentic AI into developer workflows, and optimizing tools and context management to enhance productivity and relia...
BUILD dev conference for AI and Apps
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 by Richard Harris
Attendees explore cloud data, AI integration, and application development at the BUILD dev conference for AI and Apps, gaining practical experience through virtual workshops, sessions, and online resources. The event provides developers, data engineers, IT professionals, and technology leaders with hands-on opportunities to apply cloud and AI tools in real-world project...
iPhone Air slimmer design highlights the Apple iPhone 17 launch
Monday, September 15, 2025 by Austin Harris
Apple introduced its iPhone 17 series at a Cupertino event, unveiling four new models including the iPhone 17 Air, which the company described as its “thinnest iPhone ever.” The new Air model is designed to be slimmer and lighter than past devices, while still offering a full-size display and upgraded internal hardware.
The event also showcased updates to A...
Google appeal rejected in Epic Games app store antitrust case
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 by Russ Scritchfield
https://appdevelopermagazine.com/epic-games-sues-google-for-blocking-app-distribution/Alphabet Inc.'s Google was unsuccessful in its attempt to overturn a federal court ruling that ordered the company to reform its Android app store practices. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a unanimous decision rejecting Google’s claims that the trial j...
Apple app store algorithm revealed
Monday, August 18, 2025 by Austin Harris
Under mounting regulatory pressure from the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple Inc. has made a landmark move by publicly disclosing the internal workings of the App Store’s recommendation algorithm for the first time. The release of the new document, titled “Store Services Tiers,” is being hailed by industry observers as a major tu...
Apple age rating update
Monday, August 11, 2025 by Richard Harris
Apple recently announced updates to the age rating system for apps and games available on the App Store. Aimed at improving safety and age-appropriate access for users of all ages, including children, the revised system introduces more granular rating categories and new evaluation criteria.
Apple age rating update in App Store Connect: More detailed rating categories...
WebGPU in iOS 26
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 by Austin Harris
While much of the attention surrounding iOS 26 focused on Apple’s new “glass” UI system and enhanced lock screen, a more profound change quietly reshaped the technological landscape for developers and creatives. iOS 26 introduces full WebGPU support, a move that completes a long-standing puzzle in browser-based media and AI processing, and enables a ne...
From SNL to software
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 by Richard Harris
John Krewson is the founder and CEO of Sketch Development Services, a St. Louis-based consultancy known for helping companies simplify the complex process of delivering software. With a background that spans software development, project management, and leadership, plus a surprising past in entertainment, including a brief appearance on Saturday Night Live, Krewson...
Jack Dorsey unveils Sun Day
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 by Austin Harris
Jack Dorsey, known globally as the co-founder of Twitter and CEO of Block, has been on a creative tear lately, launching back-to-back experimental apps. The latest addition to his portfolio is Sun Day, a simple yet intriguing app aimed at helping users track their sun exposure, monitor UV levels, and estimate vitamin D synthesis, all from their smartphones.
Available...
Apple browser engine ban persists even under DMA
Monday, July 21, 2025 by Austin Harris
Apple’s rules and technical restrictions are blocking other browser vendors from successfully offering their own engines to users in the EU. At the recent Digital Markets Act (DMA) workshop, Apple claimed it didn’t know why no browser vendor has ported their engine to iOS over the past 15 months. But the reality is Apple knows exactly what the barriers are a...
2025 Swift Student Challenge winners
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 by Brittany Hainzinger
Apple recently spotlighted four young developers among the 350 global winners of its 2025 Swift Student Challenge, an initiative that empowers students to explore the power of coding through creative app playgrounds. Representing the next generation of innovation and driven by personal experiences and local challenges, the selected Distinguished Winners - Taiki Hamamoto...
Microsoft Dev Drive launched for developers
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 by Richard Harris
Microsoft has announced the launch of Dev Drive, a new storage volume designed to meet the performance, security, and control needs of developers. Built on the Resilient File System (ReFS) and combined with a new performance mode capability in Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Dev Drive delivers up to 30% faster build times compared to the current Windows 11 (22H2) configur...
Google app fees lawsuit approved by UK court
Friday, June 20, 2025 by Russ Scritchfield
The Competition Appeal Tribunal (‘CAT’) has made an order certifying a £1 billion legal claim against Google on behalf of UK app developers that have allegedly been overcharged by Google for using its Play Store. The case can now proceed to trial, with thousands of businesses poised to receive compensation for the loss in revenue suffered as a result o...
2025 Apple Design award winners
Thursday, June 19, 2025 by Austin Harris
Apple has announced the winners and finalists of the 2025 Apple Design Awards, honoring 12 exceptional apps and games for their innovation, ingenuity, and technical achievement. These accolades, presented during WWDC25, celebrate creative excellence across a diverse set of development teams from around the globe.
Apple recognizes 2025 Apple Design award winners and f...
Apple's WWDC 2025: Innovation for everyone except app developers
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 by Richard Harris
Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote was a spectacle of contrasts. On one hand, it dazzled developers with a Liquid Glass design aesthetic and a boatload of polished features across iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and more. They even threw in some whimsical flair, from cheeky Formula 1 references to a piano man crooning App Store reviews on stage. It felt like Apple was serenad...
The Great App Purge Googles Quality Overhaul
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 by Richard Harris
In early 2025, the tech world was rocked by a revelation that caught even seasoned app developers off guard: Google’s Play Store had lost nearly half of its apps in the span of just over a year. What seemed at first to be a quiet pruning of low-value software turned out to be a full-blown purge, 47% of apps had vanished. A platform that once boasted the largest ca...
Fortnite returns to iOS
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 by Richard Harris
Fortnite has returned to the iOS App Store in the United States after nearly five years of absence, marking a turning point in the strained relationship between Epic Games and Apple. This reappearance is not just a routine relisting of a popular mobile game, it signifies a dramatic shift in the power struggle between large tech platforms and the developers who rely on t...
Developers Alliance announces new advisory board
Monday, April 28, 2025 by Brittany Hainzinger
The Developers Alliance announced three independent app developers have joined its Advisory Board. Adri Ofman of FlipaClip, Sean Higgins of BetterYou, and Mariah Smith, former Lead Android Engineer at Trala will use their diverse experience and expertise to help shape the Alliance’s advocacy on several issues, including proposed changes to the app ecosystem, data ...
WWDC 2025 returns June 9
Monday, April 21, 2025 by Richard Harris
Apple recently announced it will host its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) online from June 9 to 13, 2025. Developers and students will also have the opportunity to celebrate in person during a special event at Apple Park on June 9.
Available for free to all developers, WWDC25 will spotlight the latest advancements in Apple software. As part of Apple&rsq...
Developers Alliance reacts to european DMA investigation
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 by Richard Harris
Developers Alliance board chair Jake Ward released the following statement in reaction to the European Commission’s findings of non-compliance with the burdensome regulations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Developers Alliance reacts to European Commission’s DMA investigation findings
"It was harder yesterday to be an app developer in Eu...
App marketing for Indie Developers 101
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 by Richard Harris
As an indie app developer, standing out in a crowded digital marketplace can feel akin to navigating a vast, uncharted ocean. We often find ourselves grappling with the dual challenges of creating innovative apps while simultaneously trying to master the art of marketing them. Yet, despite the odds, there are strategies and tools that can help us carve out a niche and t...
Developers Alliance announces new board chair
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 by Brittany Hainzinger
The Developers Alliance announced Jake Ward will chair a new board of directors tasked with addressing the mounting public policy challenges facing application developers. Ward co-founded the Alliance in 2012, leaving in 2017 to found developer-focused management platform Data Protocol.
"I’m excited to return to the Developers Alliance at this critical tim...
SmartBear announces CEO transition
Friday, January 24, 2025 by Austin Harris
SmartBear has appointed Dan Faulkner, the company’s Chief Product Officer, as Chief Executive Officer. Frank Roe, who has led SmartBear to significant growth over the last five years, will transition from CEO to a strategic advisor role. Dan’s wealth of experience across product leadership, operational management, and global strategy, make him uniquely quali...
App marketing for older apps
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 by Richard Harris
App Store Optimization (ASO) is a critical component of app marketing, particularly for older apps that need to regain or maintain market visibility. ASO is more than just keyword optimization; its a holistic approach. It involves multiple levers, including keyword, creative, and engagement optimizations. A comprehensive ASO strategy can significantly enhance an app'...
NetLib Security predictions 2025
Thursday, January 2, 2025 by Richard Harris
The leading prediction for 2025 will sound familiar: Generative AI directly affects your privacy rights. In many ways, this is a twist on the typical cybersecurity problem. Rather than a hacker or a bad actor breaking in to steal your data, we are being asked to hand our keys to the companies we often trust the most: Microsoft, Apple, Dropbox, and Google!
NetLib Secu...
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