The Rise of AI Coding Tools and the Growth of Custom Software

May 14, 2026, 22:07
CanadaTechnology

Introduction

The use of advanced AI models in software development has made it easier for people to create their own custom applications. At the same time, this has increased the competition between the major AI companies.

Main Body

A new trend called 'vibe coding' has emerged, where people who are not professional developers use tools like Anthropic's Claude Code and OpenAI's Codex to create software using simple language. This allows individuals to build custom apps that meet their specific needs, rather than relying on general software. Consequently, there was a 30% increase in new apps submitted to the Apple App Store in 2025. However, this movement faces challenges, such as a lack of professional security and the difficulty of creating high-quality visual designs without a human expert. Meanwhile, big companies are fighting for control of the market. Anthropic has strengthened its partnership with PwC to integrate AI into business operations, and reports suggest that Anthropic has overtaken OpenAI in business adoption as of April 2026. In contrast, Microsoft has had a mixed experience; although it first allowed staff to use Claude Code, it is now moving its teams toward GitHub Copilot CLI to save costs and keep everything within its own system. This tension shows how intense the 'freebie war' is, as OpenAI and Anthropic offer free versions of their tools to attract large corporate clients. Finally, AI is expanding into other areas like mobile apps and law. OpenAI has added Codex to the ChatGPT mobile app, allowing users to manage coding agents from their phones. In the legal field, companies like Clio and Harvey are using AI to analyze large amounts of contract data, leading to significant profit growth. This suggests that legal technology will follow the same successful path as AI coding, as long as the companies providing the AI and the developers using it can work together effectively.

Conclusion

The current situation is defined by two main trends: the ability for ordinary people to create their own software and a fierce competition between AI giants to dominate the corporate market.

Learning

πŸš€ From 'Simple' to 'Sophisticated'

An A2 student describes the world using basic words like but, and, or so. To reach B2, you need to use Logical Connectors. These are words that act as bridges, showing exactly how two ideas relate to each other.

πŸŒ‰ The "Contrast" Bridge

In the text, we see a shift from simple opposition to professional contrast:

  • A2 Style: "Microsoft used Claude, but now they use Copilot."
  • B2 Style: "In contrast, Microsoft... is now moving its teams toward GitHub Copilot."

Why this matters: In contrast signals to the reader that you are comparing two different strategies, not just stating a random change. Use this at the start of a sentence to sound more academic.

⛓️ The "Result" Bridge

Instead of always using so, look at how the article links a cause to an effect:

  • The Trigger: People use simple language to build apps β†’\rightarrow The Bridge: Consequently β†’\rightarrow The Result: A 30% increase in App Store submissions.

Pro Tip: Consequently is the "grown-up" version of so. It suggests a logical, inevitable result.

πŸ› οΈ Sophisticated Word Pairing (Collocations)

B2 fluency isn't just about hard words; it's about which words 'like' to hang out together. Notice these pairs from the text:

A2 Basic IdeaB2 Professional PairContext from Text
Strong helpStrengthened partnershipAnthropic + PwC
Big fightFierce competitionAI giants fighting for users
Use in workBusiness adoptionCompanies starting to use AI

The Challenge: Next time you want to say "big competition," try "fierce competition." It changes your tone from a student to a professional.

Vocabulary Learning

advanced (adj.)
of or using the latest or most sophisticated technology or ideas
Example:The company uses advanced AI models to streamline development.
competition (n.)
the act of competing or the state of being in competition
Example:The competition between AI giants has intensified.
emerged (v.)
to appear or become visible for the first time
Example:A new trend called 'vibe coding' emerged last year.
custom (adj.)
made or done to order for a particular individual or purpose
Example:Users can create custom applications tailored to their needs.
increase (v.)
to become larger or greater in size, number, or amount
Example:There was a 30% increase in app submissions.
difficulty (n.)
the state of being hard to do or understand
Example:The difficulty of creating high-quality designs is a challenge.
high-quality (adj.)
of very good or excellent standard
Example:High-quality visual designs require expert input.
partnership (n.)
a relationship in which two or more parties work together toward a common goal
Example:Anthropic strengthened its partnership with PwC.
integrate (v.)
to combine or incorporate into a whole
Example:They plan to integrate AI into business operations.
adoption (n.)
the act of taking up or using something new
Example:OpenAI has seen rapid adoption among businesses.
mixed (adj.)
consisting of different elements or qualities
Example:Microsoft had a mixed experience with its tools.
experience (n.)
the knowledge or skill gained from doing something
Example:The experience of using these tools varies.
intense (adj.)
very strong, extreme, or concentrated
Example:The competition is intense, with firms battling fiercely.
freebie (n.)
something given for free, especially in a promotional context
Example:The freebie war has attracted many corporate clients.
corporate (adj.)
relating to a large company or group of companies
Example:Corporate clients are drawn to free versions.
mobile (adj.)
suitable for use on a mobile device or that can be moved easily
Example:The mobile app allows users to manage coding agents.
analyze (v.)
to examine in detail in order to understand or interpret
Example:Companies analyze contract data using AI.
contract (n.)
a written or spoken agreement that is intended to be enforceable by law
Example:The AI helps review contract clauses.
significant (adj.)
notable or important in size, amount, or effect
Example:The growth was significant, boosting profits.
profit (n.)
the financial gain made in a transaction or business
Example:Profit margins increased after adopting the new tool.
growth (n.)
the process of increasing in size, number, or importance
Example:The company's growth accelerated after the launch.
ordinary (adj.)
common, usual, or not special
Example:Ordinary people can now create sophisticated software.
fierce (adj.)
intense, aggressive, or determined in a strong way
Example:The competition is fierce among AI giants.
dominate (v.)
to have control or influence over something
Example:They aim to dominate the corporate market.