Apple crowns the best-designed apps of 2014: Monument Valley, Day One and more

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(photo: @paulmayne)
(photo: @paulmayne)

Thousands upon thousands of apps get submitted to the App Store each year, but only a select few end up being honored with an Apple Design Award. The most beautiful, well-designed apps get crowned by Apple annually at WWDC.

“The developers of these exceptional apps combined design and technology in creative, compelling and powerful ways,” according to Apple. 2014’s winners include games we’ve featured on Cult of Mac like Leo’s Fortune and Monument Valley. If you’re looking to try some new apps, these 12 are the ones to get.

Here’s the full list of winners with download links:

What’s telling is that, aside from Yahoo News Digest, which is actually still the brainchild of just one guy in the U.K., all of these apps come from small, indie app companies. Apple clearly values the smaller developers that are creating new and inventive app ideas.

To receive a prestigious award from the company that stands for quality design is a dream come true,” said Paul Mayne, who founded the studio behind Day One, to Cult of Mac. “This is something we never expected, but knew we were capable of if we continued to make Day One the best we can. It feels fantastic to win! Our entire team is grateful for the award and we look forward to making Day One even better. “

This year, Apple went all out, creating dedicated webpages for each winner. Not only are there descriptions and screenshots of the apps, but each summary tells the story of the people behind the code. Make sure to check them all out on Apple’s website.

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