Former Coinbase CTO Balaji Srinivasan says advances in AI coding tools could fundamentally change how apps are built, distributed and monetized.
In a new post on X, Srinivasan says Claude Code could unlock a wave of local and decentralized applications by making it easy to clone many cloud-based apps into versions that run entirely on a user’s own device.
Claude Code is Anthropic’s agentic coding tool that lives in users’ terminals and helps them turn ideas into code.
He says the shift is an extension of the “file over app” philosophy, which prioritizes portability and user control.
“In 2026, Claude Code could finally unleash the golden age of local and decentralized apps. The reason is that Claude Code allows you to quickly clone any moderately complex cloud-based app into a decent local one that runs on only your files.”
Srinivasan believes that many apps without a large global user base are now easy to replicate locally.
“That is, apps of moderate complexity without strong global network effects are suddenly easy to clone. The clone won’t be perfect right away, but it’ll be pretty good. And if the cloning dev sticks with it, it’ll get better.”
Srinivasan says this opens the door to a future where users rely on local, open-source tools instead of paid cloud services.
“So, can we get a local open-source Mac app for everything, operating only on your files. Maybe we can make that a reality.”
He gives a concrete example of how everyday services could be replaced by local software.
“Here’s another example of something that can become a local app. You input a bank statement to find and then cancel all subscriptions.”
According to Srinivasan, even that type of workflow no longer requires cloud infrastructure.
“This could probably run 100% locally if you substitute an open-weights model and automate it with your local browser.”
His comments suggest AI-powered code generation could erode the advantage of centralized software platforms, shifting value away from subscriptions and back toward user-owned, device-level tools.
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at CapitalAI Daily are not investment advice. Investors should do their own due diligence before making any decisions involving securities, cryptocurrencies, or digital assets. Your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any losses you may incur are your responsibility. CapitalAI Daily does not recommend the buying or selling of any assets, nor is CapitalAI Daily an investment advisor. See our Editorial Standards and Terms of Use.