Mac app subscription service Setapp has declined to host AppHub, an app that replicates the discontinued macOS Launchpad feature. Setapp's response cited its current focus on expanding its AI+ collection as the reason for rejection. AppHub developer Bohdan was told the decision was due to the app's lack of artificial intelligence features.

This incident highlights a growing trend where developers feel pressured to add AI to apps, even when it's unnecessary. A 2024 survey found 60% of Mac developers were working on AI features, up from 50% the year prior. AppHub functions perfectly without AI, much like Apple's original Launchpad, which never required it.

Setapp's policy forces developers to consider shoehorning AI into their tools to gain distribution. While the company offers an AI-specific bundle, ignoring non-AI apps entirely limits consumer choice. The rejection shows how the AI gold rush can sideline practical, well-designed software that simply does its job without artificial intelligence.