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Heuristics for Distinguishing AI-Native vs. Bolted-On AI Products
Heuristics for Distinguishing AI-Native vs. Bolted-On AI Products
 ### andrew chen@andrewchen
how to tell the difference between AI-native products versus when AI is bolted on after the fact...
fake AI products:
- main AI feature is an AI button with sparkle icons
- chat pane where you can ask LLM questions
- no memory/personalization beyond one chat
- users try it once and go back to using the app the "normal" way
- AI is optional not essential to the product working
- you can spend $100 or $1000 via tokens as you use the product
- it gets substantially better every 6 months as base models improve
- core workflow is impossible without AI, not just enhanced by it
- creates behavior change when users try it
Mar 28, 2026, 9:56 PM View on X
74 Replies
20 Retweets
363 Likes
29.5K Views  andrew chen @andrewchen
One Sentence Summary
Andrew Chen outlines key differences between 'fake' AI products with superficial integrations and true AI-native products that fundamentally rely on AI for their core workflow.
Summary
The tweet provides a practical framework for evaluating AI products. It contrasts 'fake AI' (superficial features, optional AI, lack of memory) with 'AI-native' products (core workflow dependent on AI, behavior change, compounding value from model improvements). This serves as a useful heuristic for product managers and investors to assess the long-term viability and product-market fit of AI-enabled applications.
AI Score
86
Influence Score 155
Published At Yesterday
Language
English
Tags
AI-Native
Product Strategy
AI Product
Andrew Chen
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