App Store 2026 in numbers: AI, pricing, abandoned apps

Obelisk Club analyzed 178,637 apps that appeared in App Store top charts across 173 countries and regions since October 9, 2026, finding that 9.8% mention AI in their listings (43% in Graphics & Design) and that apps selling in-app purchases or subscriptions are three times as likely to mention AI as plain free apps (19.9% vs 6.6%). Among free-to-download apps, 26.7% advertise in-app purchases or subscriptions, 20.3% of charted apps have not been updated in a year or more, and subscription and price complaints lead 1-2 star reviews at 12.7%.