Replit CEO Amjad Masad said AI will allow most future software creators to build applications without writing code [1].
This shift represents a fundamental change in the accessibility of technology. By removing the requirement for manual coding, the barrier to entry for software creation drops, potentially democratizing the ability to build digital tools for non-technical users.
Speaking at the StrictlyVC event in San Francisco in 2026, Masad said AI is reshaping the software landscape [1]. He said there is a transition toward a model where the conceptualization of a product is more important than the syntax used to build it [1]. This evolution allows creators to focus on the logic and design of their applications while AI handles the underlying technical implementation [2].
Masad also said the company faces competitive pressures as it contends with major AI players [1]. The company is positioning itself as a comprehensive environment for this new era of development, though it faces significant headwinds from established tech giants [2].
Beyond the technical shift, Masad said the company has an ongoing dispute with Apple over App Store policies [1]. The conflict centers on how Apple's rules affect the distribution and functionality of developer tools on iOS devices [2]. This struggle reflects a broader industry tension between open development platforms and the closed ecosystems managed by mobile operating system providers.
Masad said the ability to create software is spreading fast as AI tools become more integrated into the development workflow [2]. He said the goal is to empower a wider range of people to bring their ideas to life without needing a computer science degree [1].
“AI will allow most future software creators to build applications without writing code”
The transition toward AI-driven software creation suggests a move from 'coding' to 'orchestration.' If the technical barrier to entry disappears, the value of software development will shift from the ability to write syntax to the ability to define precise product requirements and user experiences. However, the ongoing friction with Apple indicates that while the creation of software may become easier, the distribution of that software remains controlled by a few powerful gatekeepers.
