Apps that build themselves might sound like something pulled from a sci-fi novel, but that’s exactly where things are heading. The Internet Computer is shaping up to be the first public platform that brings self-writing applications into reality, marking a shift that could define the next phase of web3. The idea of software evolving on its own, refining its functions without manual intervention, challenges long-held assumptions about digital infrastructure. What makes this different from traditional AI-assisted development is that ownership and governance remain in the hands of users, not centralised entities. That shift could be the most significant move web3 has ever made.
Dominic Williams, the founder of the Internet Computer, recently hinted at this transformation in a tweet, suggesting that 2025 will be the year when self-writing applications begin to take shape. His vision for the Internet Computer goes beyond conventional decentralisation, pushing towards a future where applications sustain and develop themselves without reliance on corporate-owned cloud services. The rise of self-writing applications hinges on a decentralised foundation that bypasses corporate-controlled cloud services. The Internet Computer, with its ability to host smart contracts directly on-chain, eliminates the reliance on legacy server infrastructure. This means applications can evolve based on user interaction, community-driven updates, and algorithmic learning—all without being confined to the interests of a single corporation. Open-source software has long been heralded as a tool for digital freedom, but this takes it a step further, enabling software to become an autonomous entity that iterates itself without human gatekeepers making the final call.
One of the major implications of this shift is how it redefines digital ownership. Instead of depending on companies to provide and maintain services, users will interact with applications that function as self-sustaining digital organisms. Imagine a social media platform that improves itself without executive oversight, adapting to user behaviour without collecting personal data or funnelling revenue into an advertising model. The idea of sovereignty in online spaces has been talked about for years, but it has mostly remained theoretical. The Internet Computer could make it a practical reality by ensuring that applications are owned by the communities that use them, not by a handful of stakeholders who dictate policies from behind closed doors.
Web3 has often been criticised for lacking mainstream adoption, and the challenges of onboarding new users remain significant. The complexity of wallets, gas fees, and fragmented user experiences has slowed progress. If self-writing applications take off, they could shift the balance by creating platforms that don’t just passively exist but actively guide users through processes, adapt interfaces to suit needs, and remove technical hurdles. It’s one thing to offer decentralised alternatives to existing platforms, but it’s another to create software that improves itself in ways that centralised competitors simply can’t match.
A major component of this shift will be artificial intelligence, but not in the way that’s currently dominating tech discussions. Instead of AI being an external tool controlled by large firms, it will be woven into the fabric of decentralised applications themselves. Self-improving codebases will allow for gradual refinement based on real-world use, leading to platforms that grow in sophistication over time. The Internet Computer’s architecture makes this possible by allowing smart contracts to function without the constraints of traditional blockchains, where storage and computational costs act as barriers to large-scale adoption.
If this sounds disruptive, it’s because it is. The biggest players in tech—Google, Amazon, and Microsoft—control the backbone of the internet through their cloud services. Most applications, whether decentralised or not, still rely on their infrastructure in some form. By providing an alternative where applications live entirely on-chain and manage themselves, the Internet Computer is offering a path that could bypass traditional gatekeepers altogether. That’s why its impact might go beyond the world of blockchain enthusiasts and extend to broader conversations about digital independence.
Ownership and governance models will have to evolve alongside this shift. If applications are self-writing, who decides what direction they take? Traditional software development relies on teams making decisions about updates and features, but in a world where software iterates itself, governance needs to be more fluid. Decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) might become the standard for managing these systems, with stakeholders voting on overarching goals while the software refines itself within those boundaries. This introduces an entirely new approach to product development, where updates aren’t dictated by board meetings but by decentralised consensus and algorithmic evolution.
The economic implications are just as significant. The traditional software model is built around licensing, subscriptions, and advertising-driven revenue streams. If applications can sustain themselves without needing corporate oversight, monetisation strategies will need to change. Tokenised economies and microtransactions could play a role, but there’s also the possibility that self-writing applications generate value in entirely new ways. For instance, an application that improves its security autonomously might be able to offer premium services without needing human intervention. Similarly, AI-driven content platforms could adjust payment models based on real-time user interaction rather than predetermined pricing structures.
Regulatory challenges are inevitable. Governments have struggled to keep up with the rapid evolution of blockchain technology, and self-writing applications introduce another layer of complexity. If a piece of software operates autonomously, who is responsible for its actions? Legal frameworks are still catching up with smart contracts, and self-improving applications will push those discussions even further. There’s a possibility that regulators will attempt to impose restrictions on these platforms, but decentralised governance could make enforcement difficult. The outcome of this tug-of-war could determine whether self-writing applications become a mainstream innovation or remain confined to the fringes of the tech world.
The cultural impact could be just as profound. Software has always been a product of human intention, shaped by the priorities and biases of its creators. A world where applications evolve independently will challenge fundamental ideas about authorship and creativity. It’s possible that entirely new forms of digital expression will emerge, where applications are as much co-creators as the people who use them. The implications extend beyond technology and into philosophy, raising questions about whether software should be considered an independent entity in its own right.
There’s still a long way to go before this vision becomes reality. The Internet Computer is laying the groundwork, but broader adoption will depend on a combination of technological breakthroughs, user acceptance, and regulatory navigation. That said, the trajectory is clear. The days of static applications that require manual updates and central oversight may be coming to an end. Instead, the next wave of software could be defined by adaptability, decentralisation, and a fundamental rethinking of digital ownership. Whether the Internet Computer ends up being the dominant platform for this shift or merely the first to push it forward, 2025 is shaping up to be the year when self-writing applications move from concept to reality.
