These App Store hidden gems prove there’s still room for great software in the AI era
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New app launches on the Apple App Store and Google Play have surged 60% year-over-year in 2026, partly driven by AI-assisted development enabling more developers to ship software. A curated roundup of eight notable indie and small-studio apps includes Albo (smart bookmarking from social media), Coop (neighborhood marketplace for local goods), PI.FYI (friend-network recommendations), Lettre (digital pen pals), Sofa Time (TV/movie tracker), ThingsBook (personal journaling and collections), Pressed Petals (botanical photo journal), Moods Faster (two-tap mood logging for Apple Health), and Activate Fitness (screen-time tied to exercise goals).
