AI startup Replit launches feature to vibe code mobile apps (www.cnbc.com)

Replit has unveiled a groundbreaking feature that enables users to create, publish, and monetize mobile applications for Apple devices through simple natural language prompts. Introduced as "Mobile Apps on Replit," this innovation allows creators to transform ideas into functional apps within minutes and submit them for App Store approval within days. The integration with payment processor Stripe also provides a streamlined path for monetization, exemplifying a shift toward more accessible app development through vibe-coding—a trend gaining momentum within the generative AI landscape. This launch is particularly significant for the AI/ML community as it potentially disrupts traditional software development paradigms, challenging existing software companies with new tools that simplify the coding process. However, the feature isn't without its challenges; users must navigate Apple's stringent App Store guidelines, and recent studies indicate that vibe-coded applications may possess critical security vulnerabilities. As the competition intensifies and companies like Replit secure substantial valuations, stakeholders in the tech and software sectors are increasingly wary of the implications for coding practices and investor sentiment, especially as software stocks face pressure in the changing landscape.