Why is everything an app now? Stores must step up to tackle this spread

Why is everything an app now? Stores must step up to tackle this spread The shift toward requiring users to rely on mobile applications for accessing services, from gyms to government systems, has sparked growing concern over privacy, convenience, and digital overload. A recent report highlights how even basic functions, like entering a gym, have moved from physical tags to apps that demand location and Bluetooth access, enabling tracking beyond the immediate environment. This trend reflects a broader pattern where digital solutions increasingly replace traditional methods, often without user consent or transparency. The rise of mobile apps began with the launch of the Apple App Store in July 2008, which initially featured just 500 apps. By the end of its first year, the store had grown to 50,000 apps, and by 2013, it reached one million. Today, it hosts over 2.5 million gaming and non-gaming applications. Similarly, the Android Market, later renamed Google Play, started in 2009 with 2,300 apps, expanding rapidly to 500,000 by late 2011 and 1 million by 2013. Now, it offers nearly 3 million apps. The exponential growth of app availability has made them integral to daily life, yet it has also introduced new challenges. Initially, creating an app required significant investment and technical expertise, ensuring that only necessary and well-designed apps were developed. However, advancements in app development platforms and the integration of generative artificial intelligence have lowered the barrier to entry. These tools enable even beginners to build functional apps quickly, contributing to the current saturation of the market. As a result, users are confronted with an overwhelming number of choices, many of which serve niche or redundant purposes. Organizations, including governments, gyms, banks, insurers, and airlines, increasingly mandate the use of their proprietary apps to access services. This strategy benefits businesses by allowing them to gather extensive user data, including location information, which can be monetized. Additionally, using digital IDs reduces the costs associated with maintaining physical infrastructure, such as membership cards and electronic tags. While these efficiencies are appealing, they come at the cost of increased surveillance and data collection. The proliferation of apps also leads to clutter on smartphones, making it challenging to find the right application for specific needs. Users often end up downloading multiple apps that go unused, occupying storage space and draining battery life. For instance, someone might be required to install an app to access a library's public locker, a feature they may only use once. Such scenarios highlight the inefficiency of the current model and raise questions about the necessity of app-based access for all services. To address these issues, app stores could implement more sophisticated discovery mechanisms. Features such as filtering by ratings, payment methods, or required permissions could empower users to make better-informed decisions. Clearer descriptions of battery usage and data collection practices would further enhance transparency. Moreover, alternative navigation systems, such as grouping apps into categories or offering visual cues for removal, could improve usability and reduce digital fatigue. As the reliance on apps continues to grow, the responsibility falls on app stores to adapt their platforms to meet evolving user needs. Without meaningful changes, the current trajectory may lead to greater fragmentation, reduced privacy, and heightened dependency on technology for essential services. The challenge lies in balancing innovation with user control, ensuring that the digital landscape remains accessible and ethical.