- Apple has introduced AI-generated app tags in the iOS 26 developer beta to improve App Store discoverability.
- These tags are not yet visible to the public or affecting search results in the live App Store.
- Apple uses AI, not OCR, to analyze metadata from descriptions, categories, and screenshots to assign relevant tags.
- Developers will eventually be able to manage these tags, which will undergo human review before being published.
Apple has officially begun testing a new feature designed to enhance app discoverability in the App Store. The company has introduced AI-generated tags in the developer beta of iOS 26, offering a preview of how artificial intelligence may soon transform the way users find apps.
These tags are currently only visible within the developer beta and are not yet available to the general public. Additionally, they are not influencing App Store search results at this stage.
AI Tags Aim to Improve Discoverability
For years, developers have relied on app names, subtitles, and keyword lists to boost visibility in App Store searches. But recent developments suggest that Apple is broadening the scope of what influences app rankings.
Appfigures, an app intelligence platform, recently analyzed changes in app rankings and suggested that Apple might be extracting text from app screenshots to improve searchability. This would mark a significant shift in how metadata is used in search algorithms.
However, Apple clarified during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 that the company is not relying on traditional optical character recognition (OCR) methods. Instead, it is using advanced AI models to analyze app metadata. These models can extract meaningful information from various sources such as descriptions, category data, and screenshots.
Apple Confirms Human Review and Developer Control
According to Apple, the use of AI-generated tags is intended to better categorize apps and improve how they surface in relevant searches. Developers will not be required to manually add keywords to screenshots or descriptions to benefit from these tags, as the AI system is designed to identify key information on its own.
Importantly, Apple stated that humans will review all AI-generated tags before going live. This quality control process is meant to ensure that tags are accurate, relevant, and reflect the app’s actual features and purpose.
In the future, developers will be given more control over the tags associated with their apps. They will have the ability to review and select which AI-generated tags are most appropriate for their product listings.
Looking Ahead
While the AI tagging system is still in its testing phase, Apple’s direction is clear. As the feature moves closer to a full rollout, developers will need to become more aware of how these tags work and how they may affect app discoverability on a global scale.
Once these tags are fully integrated into the public version of the App Store, understanding and managing them effectively could be crucial to an app’s success. Developers may need to adapt their strategies to align with how Apple’s AI interprets and categorizes their app content.
For now, the AI-generated tags remain in the background. But as Apple continues refining its systems and developers prepare for broader adoption, the way users find and interact with apps on the App Store could be poised for a major evolution.
Follow TechBSB For More Updates
