Apple Working on Plan to Allow AI Agent Apps on App Store

Apple is looking into how it can introduce AI agent apps to the App Store. This could change how iPhone and iPad users engage with artificial intelligence. However, it also complicates Apple’s profitable commission model.

A report from The Information, mentioned by MacRumors, suggests that Apple is actively exploring support for apps centered on AI agents and coding tools in its App Store. Although the company hasn’t made an official announcement, internal discussions are reportedly happening.

What Is an AI Agent, Anyway?

AI agents are software that go beyond just answering questions; they actually perform tasks for you. Imagine asking a friend, “How do I book a flight?” versus just handing them your phone and saying, “Book me a flight.” AI agents can browse the web, fill out forms, write and run code, manage files, and tackle complex tasks with minimal user input. Companies like Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google are already launching apps based on this technology.

Bringing these apps into the App Store would give Apple users access to powerful automation tools that are often difficult to find. But it also poses a significant challenge for Apple’s business model.

Why This Is a Challenge for Apple

Here’s the dilemma: AI agents aim to get things done for users, which often means they can replace the apps users typically download and pay for. If an AI agent can manage your to-do list, travel bookings, and emails without you ever opening a specific app, that results in fewer app purchases and less in-app subscription revenue — both of which Apple profits from, usually taking a cut of 15–30%.

As Engadget points out, allowing agentic AI in the App Store “could threaten its bottom line.” Last year, Apple’s services revenue, including the App Store, hit $26.6 billion in just one quarter. Any shift in user interaction with apps carries significant financial implications.

At the same time, Apple risks falling behind if it keeps its ecosystem closed while Android users access capable AI agent apps first. This is a familiar balancing act for Apple — move too slowly and risk looking outdated; move too quickly and possibly undermine your own business.

What This Means for Everyday Users

If Apple moves forward, everyday iPhone users could see some real benefits. Right now, using AI agents on Apple devices often involves complicated steps—downloading third-party apps that feel like an afterthought or relying on Siri shortcuts that are powerful but tricky to set up.

A dedicated App Store category for AI agent apps would lead to better integration with iOS, easier discovery, and apps that Apple has at least vetted for security and privacy. Given how much personal data AI agents need to function—like your calendar, email, contacts, and files—having Apple’s privacy framework in place is crucial.

For developers, this opens up new opportunities to create and sell software at a time when AI is transforming app capabilities. For users, it could mean your phone starts handling tasks that you currently do manually or pay someone else to do.

Community Reaction

“The real question is whether Apple lets these agents actually access system-level stuff or keeps them sandboxed into uselessness like Siri shortcuts.” — Reddit user on r/apple

“Apple taking a 30% cut of an AI agent that replaces apps is wild to think about. How do you even price that?” — YouTube comment on MacRumors coverage

What To Watch

• WWDC 2026 — Apple’s annual developer conference is likely the best chance for any official news about AI agent support in iOS and the App Store. Developers and analysts will keep a close eye on new App Store categories or API access related to agentic AI.
• App Store policy updates — Any changes in how Apple classifies or reviews AI agent apps will mean updated developer guidelines. Keep an eye on the Apple Developer portal for any revisions.
• Competitor moves — Google and Microsoft are already pushing AI agents heavily on Android and Windows. How quickly Apple finalizes its strategy might depend on how much traction those platforms gain with developers and users in the meantime.