October 22, 2025
“There’s an AI Assistant for That”
In 2009, Apple’s catchphrase “There’s an app for that” perfectly summed up the digital world. Whether you needed a map, a meal plan, or a meditation timer, there was a dedicated app waiting in the store. But that once-iconic promise is starting to sound dated. According to a new survey by TELUS Digital, people are beginning to trade those apps for something far more flexible: AI assistants.
Almost 30% of those surveyed said they’ve already replaced at least one app with an AI assistant in the past year. Convenience tops the list of reasons for this change. People like that they can ask one tool to do several things at once instead of switching between multiple apps. Assistants such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini can understand voice commands, read images, and plan or buy things in a way that feels almost seamless.
Why AI Assistants Are Winning
Users also describe these assistants as faster and better at learning their habits. Over time, they seem to adapt to individual preferences more effectively than static apps. That said, not everyone is fully comfortable with them yet. Only a small portion of respondents said they actually trust AI assistants with personal data. Most still feel safer using traditional apps, and a fair number don’t trust either entirely.
When it comes to specific tasks, people are happy to use an AI assistant to build an exercise plan or organise their week. But for banking, product comparisons, or reading the news, many still prefer the structure of an app.
Will We Still Have Apps in 2026?
The data suggests yes, at least for now. Despite the growing interest in AI, most people haven’t abandoned traditional apps. More than half of respondents said their app usage hasn’t changed over the past year, while nearly a quarter said they use them even more frequently. Familiarity still counts for something.
Many people stay loyal to apps because they enjoy perks and reward programmes, find browsing straightforward, or simply stick with what they know.
AI assistants are gaining traction for quicker, more conversational requests, the kind that don’t require detailed input or multiple logins.
Tobias Dengel, President, TELUS Digital Solutions, said: “While AI assistants deliver speed and flexibility, apps continue to matter to consumers, offering reliability, rewards and familiarity. The real opportunity for brands is to merge the best attributes of both into AI-powered apps supported by entry points from leading AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Gemini. The experiences should complement each other, leaning on their respective strengths.”
“There’s an app for that” may still hold true, but more often, the answer might simply be: “Just ask your AI.”
