Fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence, a growing number of individuals with no formal tech background are now creating their own applications, a trend often referred to as "micro apps" or "personal apps." Rebecca Yu, for example, spent seven days developing a web application called Where2Eat to alleviate decision fatigue among her friends when choosing a restaurant.

Yu, who used AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT in the development process, explained to TechCrunch that she was inspired to build the app after noticing the emergence of "vibe-coding apps," where non-technical users successfully create their own applications. "When I had a week off before school started, I decided it was the perfect time to finally build my application," Yu said.

These micro apps are typically web applications, though some users are also creating mobile apps intended for personal use on their own phones and devices. Some developers who are already registered with Apple are even distributing their personal apps in beta through TestFlight.

The rise of micro apps is largely attributed to the increasing accessibility of AI-powered development tools. These tools simplify the coding process, allowing individuals with limited or no coding experience to bring their app ideas to life. This trend represents a shift in app creation, moving away from traditional software development and toward a more democratized approach.

The long-term impact of micro apps on the broader app development industry remains to be seen. However, it suggests a potential future where app creation is no longer limited to professional developers, but accessible to a wider range of users who can tailor applications to their specific needs.