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This Is Software’s iPhone Moment
In 2007, photography was a niche, expensive, and time-consuming craft. The introduction of the iPhone drastically democratized photography, leading to a 25-fold increase in photos taken annually by 2026. This phenomenon, where increased accessibility leads to greater consumption, is an example of Jevons Paradox. Professional photographers still exist and are valuable for significant life events, much like experts are sought for critical situations. Today, AI is poised to transform software development similarly to how the iPhone transformed photography. The future of software will be hyper-personalized and disposable, often with a single user. This shift means individual needs will drive software creation rather than mass market appeal. In a world with abundant, cheap software, ideas, taste, and distribution become paramount. The traditional DevRel model focused on engineers is becoming obsolete as AI agents will make software decisions. The new DevRel challenge is becoming the default choice for these AI agents. Software is undergoing a transformation where personal tools and quick fixes will be accessible to everyone, not just engineers. The speed of this change in software will likely be faster than photography's transition. Individuals have the opportunity to shape this future by building the necessary tools and defining new paradigms. The fundamental question is whether one will observe this change or actively drive it through innovation.