The hype surrounding artificial intelligence has led to a surge in AI-focused apps on the App Store, with many occupying top 10 rankings across various categories. However, a closer look reveals that a significant number of these apps are of poor quality, designed to cash in on the hype rather than providing useful tools for users.

According to a recent analysis, around half of the top 10 graphics and design apps on the App Store have "AI" in their name, with three of them coming from the same company, HUBX, a Turkish-based app developer founded in 2022. One of its apps, DaVinci AI, is advertised as an AI image generator with photo editing features, but a hands-on review revealed low-quality images, a cluttered UI, and a paywall for most features.

Other HUBX apps, such as Home AI and Tattoo AI, were found to be equally underwhelming, with users complaining about poor customer service and misleading advertising. Despite this, the apps have garnered a large number of five-star reviews, raising suspicions about the authenticity of these ratings.

The phenomenon of low-quality AI apps dominating the App Store charts is not limited to HUBX. According to Sensor Tower, four out of the top 10 most downloaded iOS graphics and design apps in the US this year have had "AI" in their title. This trend is reminiscent of the mobile gaming industry, where free-to-play games with in-app purchases have become increasingly popular.

However, not all AI-focused creative apps are created equal. Smaller developers are creating high-quality tools that use AI in more focused ways, such as Google's Magic Editor and Adobe Photoshop. These apps provide specific tools for removing unwanted objects from photos or inserting new ones in specific places, making them more reliable and useful for users.

Photoroom and Picsart AI, two all-in-one graphic design apps, are examples of AI-focused apps that deliver on their promises. They offer a range of features, including AI-powered editing tools, and have become popular among users. While they may not be perfect, they are transparent about their limitations and do not engage in misleading advertising.

The divide between iPhone and iPad charts is also noteworthy, with AI-focused apps dominating the iPhone charts but being largely absent from the iPad charts. This suggests that the appeal of AI apps may be more mass-market oriented, with traditional photographers and illustrators preferring to stick with tried-and-true apps.

The proliferation of low-quality AI apps on the App Store raises concerns about the impact of AI on the creative industry. While AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we create and edit content, the current trend of cash-grab apps may undermine trust in AI technology and hinder its adoption.

Ultimately, the onus is on developers to create high-quality AI apps that deliver on their promises and provide real value to users. Until then, users will need to be cautious when downloading AI-focused apps and do their due diligence to separate the wheat from the chaff.