Quick Brief
- The Platform: Manus deployed end-to-end mobile app publishing for iOS and Android, enabling one-click deployment to app stores via AI-generated code
- The Numbers: Reached $100M ARR in 8 months, processed 147 trillion tokens, and created 80 million virtual development environments before Meta acquired the company for over $2 billion
- The Context: Meta’s fifth AI acquisition in 2025, signaling aggressive expansion into AI-powered development tools as no-code platforms reshape software engineering
Manus, the AI-powered development platform acquired by Meta for more than $2 billion in December 2025, has deployed a comprehensive mobile app publishing system that allows users to build and deploy production-ready iOS and Android applications without writing code. The platform, which launched in March 2025 and reached $100 million in annual recurring revenue within eight months, now enables one-click publishing to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The App Publishing Architecture
Manus’s mobile app builder generates native applications using React Native and Expo frameworks, powered by Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet model. The platform processes natural language prompts to create complete mobile applications with cross-platform compatibility. For iOS deployment, apps require iOS 17.0 or later and must pass Apple’s App Store review process. Android applications can be deployed via APK files or through Expo Go for testing environments.
The system handles the entire development pipeline, from initial code generation to app store submission. Users describe their application requirements in plain language, and Manus generates the necessary code, user interface components, and backend integrations automatically. The platform has processed 147 trillion tokens and created over 80 million virtual development environments since launch.
Financial Trajectory and Market Position
Manus achieved $100 million in ARR within eight months of its March 2025 launch, making it one of the fastest-growing enterprise software platforms in history. The company operates on a tiered subscription model: the basic plan costs $39 per month, while the premium tier is priced at $199 monthly. This rapid revenue growth preceded Meta’s acquisition announcement on December 29, 2025, valued at over $2 billion.
Meta’s acquisition represents the company’s fifth AI-related purchase in 2025, indicating an aggressive strategy to dominate AI-powered development tools. The deal provides Meta with immediate access to millions of paying users and proven AI infrastructure capable of handling enterprise-scale workloads.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| AI Model | Anthropic Claude 3.7 Sonnet |
| Frameworks | React Native, Expo |
| iOS Support | Requires iOS 17.0+ |
| Android Deployment | APK and Expo Go |
| Tokens Processed | 147 trillion |
| Virtual Environments | 80 million created |
| Subscription Pricing | $39/month (Basic), $199/month (Premium) |
Industry Implications for Development Tools
The Manus acquisition signals a fundamental shift in software development economics. By reaching $100M ARR in eight months, the platform demonstrated that AI-powered development tools can achieve enterprise adoption at unprecedented speeds. This velocity challenges traditional software development companies and no-code platforms that require months of user onboarding.
Meta’s acquisition positions the company to compete directly with GitHub Copilot, Replit, and other AI-assisted development platforms. The integration of Manus’s technology into Meta’s existing infrastructure could accelerate the company’s AI product development cycles and reduce reliance on third-party development tools.
Regulatory and Integration Timeline
Meta has not disclosed a specific integration timeline for Manus’s technology into its existing product suite. The acquisition requires standard regulatory approval, though no major antitrust concerns have been publicly raised as of January 2026. The company’s strategy likely involves maintaining Manus as a standalone product while gradually incorporating its AI models into Meta’s developer tools and internal engineering workflows.
Industry analysts expect Meta to leverage Manus’s code generation capabilities to accelerate development of AR/VR applications for Meta Quest and Ray-Ban smart glasses platforms. The platform’s ability to generate mobile applications could also support Meta’s efforts to compete with Apple and Google in mobile ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Manus app publishing?
Manus is an AI-powered platform that generates and publishes iOS and Android apps to app stores using natural language prompts, requiring no manual coding.
How much did Meta pay for Manus?
Meta acquired Manus for over $2 billion in December 2025, making it Meta’s fifth AI acquisition that year.
What AI model does Manus use?
Manus uses Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet for code generation and mobile app development.
How fast did Manus reach $100M ARR?
Manus achieved $100 million in annual recurring revenue within eight months of its March 2025 launch.
