App Store hidden gems show software is still moving in the AI era
TechCrunch highlighted new apps across bookmarking, local commerce, journaling and fitness as app launches rise in 2026.
By Jordan Bell · Startups & Deals Reporter
· 3 min read
App Store hidden gems are getting fresh attention as developers keep shipping consumer software, even as AI agents raise questions about whether people will rely less on traditional apps. For users and investors watching Apple’s app ecosystem, the point is straightforward: the app economy is still producing new products, and AI may be helping more people build them.
TechCrunch reported that new app releases rose 60% year over year worldwide in the first quarter of 2026 across Apple’s App Store and Google Play, citing a recent report. On Apple’s iOS store alone, new releases were up 80%, according to the same report.
AI coding means using generative AI tools to help write or assemble software, which can shorten the time between an idea and a working app. TechCrunch noted that this may be bringing more beginners into app development, while also raising concerns that some “vibe-coded” apps could add lower-quality listings to app stores.
What are the App Store hidden gems in 2026?
TechCrunch’s latest roundup spans apps for saving links, buying local goods, tracking entertainment, journaling, logging moods and getting outside. Several are available on both iOS and Android, while others are iPhone-only.
- Albo, previously called Sortd, saves links from TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube and other sites, then pulls in details and organizes them. TechCrunch said it works with Pinterest, X, LinkedIn, Threads, Reddit, Facebook, Chrome and Safari, and can also store screenshots. The app is free, with advanced features sold through a subscription.
- Coop is a local marketplace for handmade and homegrown goods. Buyers can find nearby sellers, follow favorites, see distance, and pay through the app using Stripe integration, according to TechCrunch. Sellers then prepare orders for pickup.
- PI.FYI by Perfectly Imperfect focuses on personal recommendations and taste-sharing rather than algorithmic feeds. The app lets users track interests, browse categories such as music, retro and literature, make lists, read articles and play games with friends.
- Lettre brings the pen pal idea into a digital app. Users can write to people they meet through the app or to contacts whose email addresses they already have. TechCrunch said the company’s FAQ indicates it is considering a postal mail feature later.
Which apps focus on habits, media and offline life?
Sofa Time is positioned as one option for users looking for a TV Time replacement after that app shut down. It tracks shows and movies, manages watchlists, suggests what to stream, and sends reminders about releases. TechCrunch said its social features include comments with GIFs or images and built-in translation.
ThingsBook, from Naver’s U.S. subsidiary, is built around writing, lists and personal records. The app supports journaling, idea capture and collections covering books, travel, meals, hobbies and goals, according to TechCrunch.
Pressed Petals, from designer Cynthia Chen, turns flower photos into digital pressed specimens. The app records the place, date and time of a sighting and identifies each flower by common and scientific name. TechCrunch reported that users can press two flowers for free, then pay a one-time $4.99 fee to unlock the full app.
Moods Faster, by Nick Leith, logs moods into Apple Health in two taps. Users can record their current mood or their overall mood for the day, with optional context and emotion details. The app costs $1.95 per month, according to TechCrunch.
Activate Fitness links exercise or outdoor activity to screen-time access. TechCrunch said the app was first pitched for kids and has since expanded to include the whole family, allowing adults to connect personal goals, such as steps, with reduced phone use.
This story draws on original reporting from TechCrunch.
