Amjad Masad discusses Replit independence, growth and Apple conflict
Updated
Updated · TechCrunch · May 1
Amjad Masad discusses Replit independence, growth and Apple conflict
13 articles · Updated · TechCrunch · May 1
At a TechCrunch event in San Francisco, Masad said Replit rose from $2.8m 2024 revenue to a near $1bn annual run rate, with net retention reaching 300%.
He said Replit aims to stay independent, arguing it has been gross-margin positive for more than a year, unlike rival Cursor, while warning Apple could face court over App Store claims he called lies.
Masad also said Replit may invest in customers, citing startups built on its platform, as Stripe-linked transaction volumes grow by triple digits month on month.
Can Replit's independent vision survive against a rival now backed by the deep pockets of SpaceX?
Is Replit's fight with Apple the opening battle over who controls the future of AI-generated applications?
As 'vibe coding' turns anyone into a creator, are traditional software developers facing an existential threat?
How Apple’s App Store Rules Halted Replit’s iOS Updates Amid $9B Valuation Surge
Overview
In early 2026, Apple blocked updates to Replit's iOS app, citing security concerns over dynamically generated code, which locked users into outdated versions and sparked public criticism from Replit's CEO. This move reflected deeper commercial motives, as Replit's rapid AI-driven growth and broad adoption threatened Apple's App Store revenue and challenged its Xcode dominance. In response, Replit pivoted to web-based and desktop platforms while advocating for regulatory change. The clash highlights a broader tension between Apple's strict App Store governance and the surge of AI-powered app creation, raising questions about innovation, platform control, and the future of software development.