Apple’s App Store named its apps and games of the year for different devices/services plus other App Store Award finalists Tuesday. All told, it recognized 37 apps and games whose developers “are delivering exceptional experiences and making a profound cultural impact.”
And in a matter of weeks, we’ll find out who the winners are, the company said.
App Store Award finalists compete in 10 categories
The App Store Awards has recognized top apps and games for more than a decade. This year it celebrates nearly 40 app and game devs in 10 categories as finalists “for their excellence, inventiveness, and technical achievement,” Apple said. Categories list finalist by device or service and also in a Cultural Impact section.
This group will be whittled down to a short list of winners in the coming weeks.
“We are excited about the achievements of these App Store Award finalists who are helping users around the world to explore their interests in drawing, design, video editing, education, music, time management, working out, hiking, playing games, and so much more,” said Phil Schiller, Apple Fellow.
“These finalists are all incredibly talented and have put enormous effort into creating these great apps and games,” he added. “We are inspired by their accomplishments and look forward to announcing the winners of the App Store Awards later this month.”
See the App Store Award finalists with Apple’s descriptions below. All links go to apps on the App Store.
iPhone App of the Year
AllTrails, for helping the world find their way outside.
Duolingo, for bringing learning to the masses.
Flighty, for keeping travelers on time and stress-free at the airport.
iPhone Game of the Year
Photo: App Store
Afterplace, for creating a retro role-playing game with intuitive controls.
Honkai: Star Rail, for building a space fantasy adventure with cinematic animation.
Vampire Survivors, for inspiring a new roguelike action genre.
iPad App of the Year
Concepts, for creating innovative drawing tools and dynamic color palettes.
DaVinci Resolve, for creating a more portable video editing experience.
Prêt-à-Makeup, for bringing makeup designs to life for all beauty enthusiasts.
iPad Game of the Year
Eggy Party, for crafting whimsical and joyful experiences for users.
Lost in Play, for delivering charming visuals and gameplay for all ages.
Pocket City 2, for inviting players to build from their imagination.
Mac App of the Year
Photo: App Store
Linearity Curve, for crafting innovative design tools for pros and aspiring designers.
Photomator, for making the photo editing workflow faster and simpler.
Portal, for immersing users in beautiful landscapes and spatial audio.
Mac Game of the Year
Elex II, for transporting players to a dynamic Science Fantasy world.
Lies of P, for delivering smooth gameplay with an alternative twist on a classic tale.
Return to Monkey Island, for building on its iconic point-and-click adventure.
Apple Watch App of the Year
Photo: App Store
Planny, for intelligently helping users stay on top of tasks.
SmartGym, for creating smart and targeted workouts at any skill level.
Tide Guide, for offering water enthusiasts real-time marine conditions.
Apple TV App of the Year
Bugsnax, for capturing mystery and charm through its gameplay.
FitOn, for offering a range of workout experiences with popular trainers and celebrities.
Mubi, for bringing quality cinema to users’ homes.
Apple Arcade Game of the Year
Cityscapes, for inspiring players with a sustainable and purposeful twist.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure, for taking players on a grand adventure with adorable creatures.
stitch., for bringing the meditative art of embroidery to more users.
Cultural Impact Finalists
Photo: App Store
balance, for making menopause support more inclusive and accessible to all.
Copilot, for simplifying personal finance.
Endling, for inspiring players to focus on environmental impact.
Finding Hannah, for connecting women across generations through gameplay.
How to Say Goodbye, for helping users process difficult emotions.
Pok Pok, for helping kids learn, explore, and experiment in a digital playroom.
Proloquo, for supporting communication without speech.
Rebel Girls, for turning bedtime stories into a discovery of heroic women throughout time.
Too Good To Go, for helping to reduce food waste at restaurants, bakeries and supermarkets.
Unpacking, for crafting soul-soothing puzzles.
Source: Apple
