Latest Software & Apps News

📅January 13, 2026 at 1:00 PM
2026 software sector surges with AI tools, acquisitions, unicorns, market growth forecasts, regulatory probes, and innovations in Java, retail, and services.
1

Explosive Growth in Software Development with AI Acquisitions and Unicorn Boom

The software development landscape in 2026 features rapid AI advancements, strategic acquisitions, and over 100 new tech unicorns from 2025, many in AI and cloud sectors.Source 1 This boom, backed by Crunchbase and PitchBook data via TechCrunch, signals investor confidence in innovative software solutions.Source 1 Experts predict continued disruptions into 2026, emphasizing robust architecture for startups.Source 1

2

Anthropic Launches Cowork for General Computing Tasks

Anthropic released Cowork, an AI productivity tool extending Claude Code for general tasks, allowing folder access and command automation.Source 1 It simplifies workflows by automating routine processes for users.Source 1 This launch revolutionizes computing efficiency in software development.Source 1

3

Google Expands Gemini into AI Shopping with Retail Partners

Google is integrating Gemini with shopping features via partnerships with Walmart, Shopify, and Wayfair, introducing instant checkout in chats.Source 2 This positions Gemini as a transaction layer between consumers and merchants.Source 2 The expansion deepens AI into commerce applications.Source 2

4

UK Regulator Investigates X Over Grok-Generated Sexualised Imagery

The UK regulator has opened an investigation into X (formerly Twitter) regarding sexualised imagery from Grok AI.Source 2 This reflects rising regulatory pressure on AI-generated content platforms.Source 2 It highlights geopolitical tensions around open-source AI tools.Source 2

5

Apple Services Achieve Record Growth in 2025 with App Store Milestones

Apple's services, including the App Store with 850 million weekly users, saw unprecedented growth and developer earnings over $550 billion since 2008.Source 3 Innovations like Apple Intelligence in Wallet and AutoMix in Music enhanced user experiences.Source 3 Expansions included Apple Pay in 89 markets and Fitness+ in 28 countries.Source 3

6

Barclays Predicts Software Stock Rebound in 2026 Driven by AI Revenues

Barclays forecasts a software sector rebound in 2026 after 2025 underperformance, citing stable IT spending, low valuations, and tangible AI demand.Source 4 Preferred picks include Salesforce, Oracle, and DigitalOcean; downgrades for Snowflake and GitLab.Source 4 Growth expected from AI agents and easier comparisons post-pandemic.Source 4

7

Software Development Services Market to Reach $772 Bn by 2029

The global software development services market is projected to hit $772.47 billion by 2029 at 11.6% CAGR, driven by cloud, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and DevOps.Source 5 Key developments include IBM's AI-first IDE Project Bob in October 2025 and Improving's acquisition of DragonSpears.Source 5 Trends feature low-code platforms and edge computing.Source 5

8

Oracle Unveils Java Development Roadmap for 2026

Oracle's 2026 Java plans include previews of value types, AOT compilation, structured concurrency finalization, and code reflection incubation under OpenJDK projects.Source 7 Project Loom advances lightweight threads; JDK 26 releases March 17.Source 7 Improvements target Foreign Function API and jextract tool.Source 7

9

Promethean Showcases Hardware-Software Ecosystem at 2026 Trade Shows

Promethean will exhibit its ActivPanel 10 and ActivSuite software at global trade shows January-March 2026 for education and workplaces.Source 6 The portfolio supports Windows, ChromeOS, and Mac for flexible environments.Source 6 Focus is on long-term reliable technology.Source 6

10

Samsung Introduces Next-Gen Retail Innovations at NRF 2026

Samsung is demoing latest retail technologies at NRF 2026 Booth #5303 from January 11-13, targeting software-enhanced retail solutions.Source 8 These innovations aim to transform retail operations with advanced apps.Source 8 Attendees can experience upcoming tech integrations.Source 8

11

GK Software Presents AI Innovations for Retail at EuroShop 2026

GK Software launches practical AI tools via GK CLOUD4RETAIL at EuroShop 2026 on January 12, benefiting customers and employees.Source 9 Focus is on cloud commerce enhancements.Source 9 It advances AI in retail software applications.Source 9