Apple May Unveil a New AI App Store at June’s WWDC Event

Apple may unveil an AI App Store at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. Apple (and every other tech company, it seems) is working on artificial intelligence elements for its apps and system software, which we could see some of at WWDC when Apple unveils the new versions of its well-known operating systems, iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and more.

Melius Research head of technology research Ben Reitzes sat down for an interview with CNBC on Monday, where he said he believes Apple will lay the groundwork for a new AI App Store in June. Apple’s announcement will apparently also include information about how Apple users will be able to acquire AI apps from a variety of vendors.

Reitzes discussed the reasoning behind his prediction, referring to how Apple’s other storefronts, like the iTunes Store, led to changes in the industry. Apple “has a history of convincing a lot of leaders to make apps or do something with them, while they perfect the ecosystem,” he said.

For that, Reitzes pointed out that Apple developed only some of the apps in the App Store but was able to convince other developers to make them.

Reitzes sees that happening again in the AI industry. Apple is sure to offer its own AI apps and services, he says, but the Cupertino firm will also convince other companies to offer AI apps, likely as part of an Apple AI App Store.

In a Monday research note, Melius Research said “We think Tim Cook and his team are running around speaking to rivals because they are channeling their inner Steve’ (Jobs) persuasion skills.”

Reitzes sees Apple offering its own app, as well as an AI assistant in the form of an upgraded Siri. Apple will provide details on how to purchase Artificial Intelligence apps from the App Store at WWDC 24. He also expects to see Apple preview how AI will integrate into Apple’s services businesses.

Reitzes is not the first to forecast that Apple will offer an AI App Store, as other analysts have also made similar predictions. In February, analysts at Wedbush wrote that Apple will make a push into AI, eventually founding “a separate AI App Store.”

Wedbush said Apple is expected to hold internal discussions about the concept at WWDC 24, although it isn’t known whether those discussions will involve developers.

Apple has reportedly talked to several companies, including Baidu, about handling generative AI services in China. The talks could’ve included the topic of a dedicated AI App Store.

Earlier this month, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said Apple is currently in discussions with Google to integrate its Gemini AI engine into iOS 18 on the iPhone, with the aim of improving Siri.  An app to access Google Gemini is already available in an app on the App Store.

“The two parties haven’t decided the terms or branding of an AI agreement or finalized how it would be implemented,” says Gurman’s sources.

Apple’s WWDC 2024 will likely take place in early June, although official dates have yet to be announced. Apple is expected to unveil iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS (fill in California landmark here), tvOS 18, watchOS 11, and visionOS 2.0 at the event’s keynote address.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]