Apple has revealed its selections for this year’s coveted App Store Awards, whittling down 37 finalists to 14 eventual winners.
“It’s inspiring to see the ways developers continue to build incredible apps and games that are redefining the world around us,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “This year’s winners represent the limitless potential of developers to bring their visions to life, creating apps and games with remarkable ingenuity, exceptional quality, and purpose-driven missions.”
While some of the winners are fresh apps released this year, existing apps were eligible too so long as they continue to iterate and improve. Apple’s editorial team picked the five best apps of 2023 – one each for iPhone, iPad, Mac, TV, and Watch. Similarly, it also selected the four best games, and five Cultural Impact winners, “recognized for their ability to drive positive change through apps and games.”
Here’s what Apple had to say about the full selection; tap through any of the links to check them out for yourselves.
Apps of the Year
This year’s winners showcase the scope of creativity, technical innovation, and design possible across the App Store and Apple’s ecosystem. AllTrails nurtures community through comprehensive trail guides and outdoor exploration for everyone.
AllTrails
Prêt-à-Makeup offers a true-to-life makeup sketchpad on iPad for professional artists and casual users, while fostering inclusivity and self-expression. Photomator’s machine learning-powered tools make advanced editing tasks streamlined and seamless. MUBI curates exceptional indie films with a human touch, and SmartGym shines on Apple Watch with its comprehensive library of exercises, routines, and robust fitness reporting.
Games of the Year
In the gaming category, Honkai: Star Rail takes players through a narrative full of complex characters and tactically rich combat on iPhone, while Lost in Play invites players to tap into a charming, childlike imagination during an epic point-and-click adventure.
Honkai: Star Rail
Lies of P presents players with an exquisitely crafted dark fantasy world, and Apple Arcade’s Hello Kitty Island Adventure delivers an immersive gaming world with its main goal being as sweet as can be: making friends.
Cultural Impact winners
This year’s winners encouraged users to learn and grow in an inclusive and accessible space, contribute toward a more sustainable future, and explore self-reflection and connection across generations.
Winners: digital toy room Pok Pok; accessible communication tool Proloquo; food waste fighter Too Good To Go; meditative puzzler Unpacking; and coming-of-age game Finding Hannah.
Phew – that’s a lot of great apps to explore. Hope you’ve got some storage space free to check them out!