Wix Introduces New Generative AI Feature for App Development

Web creation platform Wix introduces a new generative AI feature allowing creators to make mobile applications.

Wix, a platform primarily recognized for its web design tools, introduces a generative AI feature enabling customers to create and modify iOS or Android applications by describing their desired features in straightforward English.

The ability, scheduled to be integrated into Wix’s app creator tool this week, will direct users through a chatbot-like interface to comprehend their application’s objectives, intent, and aesthetic. Wix’s AI generates an application that can be customized from the app editor and optionally enhanced with widgets, connectors, and third-party integrations utilizing this information.

After the announcement of Wix’s AI website generator in July, which can generate a site template with text and images from a series of descriptive captions, generative AI-powered app creation has followed. Avishai Abrahami, the CEO and co-founder of Wix, has stated that the new AI products are a component of the company’s overarching strategy to develop “custom AI solutions” that enable businesses to establish digital experiences rapidly.

“Wix’s mission has always been to enable anyone to establish an online presence, including mobile applications,” Abraham stated in an interview with TechCrunch. “We have acquired a wealth of knowledge regarding AI and how users interact with it when establishing their online presence as a company.”

Developing applications from the ground up

Wix asserts that its latest AI-powered app constructor, which necessitates a $99-per-month subscription to the premium Branded App plan, generates app code that is “fully native” to iOS and Android smartphones. Users can evaluate the app before submitting it to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, and they have control over the app’s branding, layout, and features, including icons and themes.

Abraham stated, “Our AI’s objective is to relieve the user of the majority, if not all, of the laborious tasks.” “The AI-generated app will be more personalized and comprehensive the more detailed the responses to the prompts during setup.”

That is an excellent idea. However, early adopters have reported bugs and generic-looking completed products, and Wix’s AI site builder reviews could be more glowing.

Consequently, why should individuals anticipate that Wix’s AI app constructor will be superior to others, given that the under-the-hood technology is comparable, except for a few upgraded generative AI models?

Abrahami dismissed the criticisms of Wix’s site builder, asserting that the feedback has been “overwhelmingly positive” and that customers have developed hundreds of thousands of AI-generated websites since its inception.

“The depth of our AI expertise and the strength of our product team are underscored by this strong response and utilization,” he stated. “We are enthusiastic about expanding this experience to mobile devices.”

However, from a security perspective, the risks are elevated regarding applications.

Studies and surveys indicate that generative AI tools contribute to the proliferation of erroneous codebases and exacerbate existing security vulnerabilities and flaws in application code. According to research conducted by Purdue, more than half of the responses provided by OpenAI’s ChatGPT to programming inquiries need to be revised.

Abraham acknowledged that the AI app creator, like all generative AI tools, is susceptible to errors. However, he stated that Wix is dedicated to “consistently enhancing the product.”

“Our security team implements and maintains robust security measures for all of our solutions, including the mobile app builder,” he continued. “The security and penetration reviews and monitoring of the applications and code are ongoing.”

Is it capable of substituting developers?

If Wix’s AI-powered app designer functions as advertised, it could threaten the multi-billion-dollar industry of developing smartphone applications for brands, firms, and solopreneurs.

FlutterFlow, Crowdaa, and the Mobile-First Company are among the many organizations that utilize AI in various capacities. A cursory search on Fiverr produces a lengthy list of highly-rated app developers, some of whom charge approximately the same price as a Wix’s AI app builder subscription.

Abraham argues that Wix is not attempting to supplant developers but rather to offer an alternative to customers who desire it. He claims that the tool is profoundly integrated with Wix’s broader product portfolio, which could make it more appealing to Wix’s millions of existing users. Additionally, the tool implements features such as app update handling and usage analytics through the appropriate app stores.

Abraham stated that professional developers are essential, particularly for more intricate and specialized app initiatives. “Both approaches to app development are viable.”

I am skeptical that app developers will concur; however, they are only somewhat afforded a little discretion.