Google and Apple Revolutionize Smartphones with 'Vibe Coding'

'Vibe Coding': A Revolution for Smartphones

Mobile technology is set to reach a new milestone with the introduction of 'vibe coding'. Since the launch of the App Store, the promise has been to find an app for every need. However, this promise is about to transform with the possibility for users to create their own applications. By 2026, 'vibe coding' had become a familiar term, largely thanks to the improvement and accessibility of AI-based coding tools. This evolution allows non-developers to design applications that meet specific needs.

Until now, 'vibe coders' have primarily focused on desktop software. However, announcements made at the Google I/O event indicate that mobile is the next frontier to conquer. Google announced an update to its AI Studio tool, making it easier to create complete Android applications. This new feature allows for the development and export of a native app to a phone in just a few minutes. Although this functionality is initially limited to "personal service" applications, the rules for publishing an app on the Play Store remain unchanged.

Custom Widgets and 'Generative UI'

For those who find app creation too ambitious, Google also offers the possibility of creating custom widgets. At the latest Android Show, a feature allowing users to design widgets using a simple prompt was showcased. Among the examples provided by Google are widgets displaying specific weather indicators or suggesting new recipes to try. These tools leverage the knowledge base of Gemini, offering a wide range of possibilities.

AI-generated widgets represent a first step towards a 'generative UI'. This vision involves creating interfaces and applications on the fly, based on the immediate needs of the user. While appealing, this approach could also lead to some confusion if taken to extremes. Sameer Samat, president of Android, emphasized that there is a risk of excessive customization. "While I don't think we want to wake up every morning with different interfaces on our devices, I think there is a level of customization and personalization for the user that could be enjoyable," he stated.

Apple and Automated Shortcuts

Apple, for its part, is also exploring ways to make its devices more personal. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, the company is working on prompt-based shortcuts. These shortcuts, which can be programmed in the dedicated app, allow for the automation of certain actions. For example, a shortcut could automatically open the transportation app when the user arrives at a bus stop, or activate a specific focus mode when connecting to home Wi-Fi. While these automations may seem simple, they can quickly become complex, which may have discouraged some users so far.

The Future of Mobile Interaction

In recent years, tech leaders have often promised that artificial intelligence would fundamentally transform our interaction with mobile devices. So far, tangible advancements have been limited to enhanced voice assistants, like Gemini, and integrations with tools like ChatGPT. However, the ability to create applications, widgets, or automations on demand could genuinely help to further personalize our phones, making them more suited to individual needs.