Each year, Apple’s editorial team picks out the more impressive apps and games of the year in a variety of categories. This year there were a whopping 45 finalists, which have now been whittled down to 17 winners for 2024.
There are best app and best game awards for each of Apple’s platforms, all of which are worth checking out. Kino, the video camera app from the makers of the excellent Halide (below), took the top spot for iPhone apps, while fantasy battler AFK Journey was deemed the best game.
For iPad, Apple chose AI music coach Moises for its app award and the playful Squad Busters as this year’s standout game. Balatro+ (below) rightfully won Apple Arcade game of the year.
But the most interesting picks this year come in the Cultural Impact category, for which Apple has chosen six diverse apps and games that it says had a “lasting impact … in users’ lives and communities.” This category ranges from Oko, designed to help the visually impaired navigate busy streets, to the popular NYT Games, responsible for bringing families together with its daily puzzles.
“We are thrilled to honor this impressive group of developers who are harnessing the power of Apple devices and technology to deliver experiences that enrich the lives of users and have a profound impact on their communities,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “The remarkable achievements of this year’s winners demonstrate the incredible ingenuity that can be unlocked through apps.”
Check out Apple’s full list to read about and download all 17 winners. And keep an eye out for our own TapSmart app awards later this year – we’ll be sure to highlight some different titles to Apple!