Whether or not AI keeps getting better at software engineering (and reverse engineering existing software), it's already good enough that a couple of software companies are feeling the pressure from people coding their alternatives. I've argued before that I doubt we'll get tons of people coding their own solutions. But it's enough if a few dedicated people make free replacements to seriously hurt the bottom line of SaaS companies.
The only way to prevent that is to make much better products.
Because what really motivates someone to use AI to code their own CRM, or calendar scheduling app? It's not (just) the price. It's software that's not quite fit for how they want to use it, or buggy and clunky, and bloated with unnecessary features. In short, it's not a pleasant experience.
(That's also, I suspect a primary reason for people who bake their own bread or engage in other acts of homemade food: It's not so much the cost savings as it's complete control over what goes into the product.)
AI only provides raw horsepower; the good product, free of preservatives and artificial flavours, still needs to be an intentional decision from real humans, who feel deep empathy with their users.
