AI Software Cloning: Could Vibe Coding Replace Paid Apps?

Imagine paying subscriptions for photo editing, productivity tools, website software and business applications—then discovering that AI could help you build a personalised alternative to some of their features.

A video I recently watched explored this idea through vibe coding: describing software in everyday language and asking an AI coding assistant to build it. It raises an intriguing question: will we still need every software subscription we pay for today?

What is AI software cloning?

In this context, software cloning means creating a new application with functionality inspired by an existing tool. It does not mean copying somebody's voice or likeness, and it should not mean taking protected source code or branding without permission.

For example, someone could ask an AI assistant to create a simple photo cropper, appointment organiser, customer enquiry tracker, content calendar or business dashboard. You describe the features, test the result and ask the AI to improve it.

Why is vibe coding attracting attention?

Traditionally, making a useful application required programming knowledge, development tools and plenty of time. AI coding assistants can now generate much of the initial code from written instructions, explain errors and help iterate on a prototype.

That is particularly appealing to freelancers and small businesses. If you only use three features of a large platform, you might be able to develop a leaner tool centred on those tasks.

But a working demonstration is not the same as secure, dependable business software. Hosting, data protection, backups, testing and ongoing fixes remain your responsibility.

Could AI replace expensive software subscriptions?

For some narrow tasks, perhaps. An AI-built quote calculator or private checklist may be perfectly practical. Recreating a polished professional application such as Photoshop or Lightroom is a very different challenge. Established software includes advanced features, compatibility work, performance optimisation, support and years of testing.

Custom software may also carry ongoing costs for hosting, API calls, maintenance and troubleshooting. Compare the total cost and time involved, not just the price of generating the first version.

Five useful ideas for small businesses

Quotation calculators: Estimate project costs and produce simple customer summaries.
Lead trackers: Record new enquiries and follow-up dates for a small team.
Content planners: Organise blog posts, short videos and social media campaigns.
Internal dashboards: Bring together a few key business figures in one place.
Personal organisers: Create a calendar or checklist around how you actually work.

Start with a small tool and use fictional sample data while testing. Never place real customer or payment information into an untested AI-generated application.

Is it legal to clone an app?

There is a crucial difference between developing an original tool that performs a similar task and copying somebody else's protected work. In the UK, software code and other original creative material may be protected by copyright, while brand names, designs, licences and confidential information can create additional restrictions.

Use your own code and assets, check any open-source licences, and do not assume that publicly visible software is free to reproduce. If a proposed commercial product closely resembles an existing one, seek appropriate legal advice before launching.

How would I start?

Choose one repetitive task you want to simplify.
Write down the minimum features the application needs.
Ask an AI coding assistant to create an initial prototype.
Test every important action with sample information.
Review privacy, security, accessibility, costs and maintenance before real-world use.

My thoughts: is this the future?

I think the exciting part of AI-assisted software creation is the freedom to experiment. You no longer necessarily need to be an experienced programmer to explore an idea and create a first prototype.

For business owners, the sensible approach is to start small: replace one tedious spreadsheet, build one useful calculator, or test one feature you regularly pay for. Keep proven services where security, reliability or specialist capabilities matter more than the subscription price.

The bigger question may not be whether AI can copy existing software. It may be: what useful problem could you solve by building a tool that fits you?