What Happens To Apps When AI Can Do The Job? — Garry Egan | How AI Changes E-commerce Apps, What Replaces Single Task Apps, Why Apps Become AI Wrappers, How AEO Replaces Traditional SEO (#501)
AI is transforming the e-commerce app landscape, forcing merchants to rethink how they leverage technology. While AI can handle simple, single-task automation, specialized apps will persist as "AI wrappers" that provide guided workflows and critical contextual understanding for complex e-commerce operations. Merchants must understand this distinction to choose the right tools for their business.
Key takeaways
Prioritize specialized workflow apps for complex tasks (e.g., custom shipping logistics, compliance) as AI struggles with nuanced, real-world context that these apps provide.
Expect AI to "Sherlock" simple, single-task apps (like basic alt-text generators or product description fillers), as platforms like Shopify integrate these features natively.
Recognize that apps will evolve into sophisticated "AI wrappers," providing user-friendly interfaces and guided prompts for leveraging AI, bridging the gap between broad AI capabilities and specific merchant needs.
Understand that the role of developers will shift towards full-stack expertise, focusing on robust infrastructure, scalability, and complex integrations rather than just basic front-end coding.
Be prepared for the end of "lazy single-task apps" and evaluate your current app stack for redundancy or future obsolescence as AI capabilities advance.
In this episode, we dive into how AI is changing e-commerce apps and online shopping. Garry Egan, founder of Interlinks Development and 25-year software developer, shares why single-task apps are disappearing and how the best apps will become AI wrappers. He reveals strategies for specialized workflows, why deep technical expertise matters for developers, and how AI alters the buyer journey. InterLinks: For Shopify stores, automatically create internal links that increase conversions, bo...
Prioritize specialized workflow apps for complex tasks (e.g., custom shipping logistics, compliance) as AI struggles with nuanced, real-world context that these apps provide.
What does this episode say about shopify & ecommerce platforms?
Expect AI to "Sherlock" simple, single-task apps (like basic alt-text generators or product description fillers), as platforms like Shopify integrate these features natively.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Recognize that apps will evolve into sophisticated "AI wrappers," providing user-friendly interfaces and guided prompts for leveraging AI, bridging the gap between broad AI capabilities and specific merchant needs.
What does this episode say about product & merchandising?
Understand that the role of developers will shift towards full-stack expertise, focusing on robust infrastructure, scalability, and complex integrations rather than just basic front-end coding.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Be prepared for the end of "lazy single-task apps" and evaluate your current app stack for redundancy or future obsolescence as AI capabilities advance.
