Each year, Apple’s editorial team picks out the more impressive apps and games of the year in a variety of categories. Though we won’t find out the winners until later this month, the finalists have been revealed and there are some fantastic entries this year.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the App Store Award finalists, a diverse and talented group of developers from around the globe,” said Carson Oliver, Apple’s head of App Store Worldwide. “Their commitment to excellence is an inspiration, resulting in experiences that empowered users to tap into their creativity, achieve more through technical innovations, and discover new adventures through the world of gameplay.”
I’m pleased to see some of my favorites make the cut this year. Graintouch is one of the most charming arty apps of the year, and I loved its stylish simplicity when testing it earlier this year. Storygraph is a fantastic alternative to the Amazon-owned Goodreads, something I’ve previously argued readers should consider switching to. It’s also nice to see Tiimo – an app we reviewed back in 2021 – making big strides this year and being nominated for Apple’s top prize.
With the actual top prizes somewhat arbitrary and subjective, we feel the shortlist actually gives a better representation of what the App Store has to offer. Included below is Apple’s thoughts on the finalists, which are a mix of big, predictable names and experimental indie titles alike.
iPhone App of the Year Finalists
Finalists in the iPhone App of the Year category helped users refine their workflows in everyday life:
iPhone Game of the Year Finalists
Finalists in the iPhone Game of the Year category crafted fantastic gameplay and generation-spanning fun:
Capybara Go!, for taking players on a quirky idle adventure as a lovable critter.
Pokémon TCG Pocket, for making collecting and playing legendary Pokémon cards even better.
Thronefall, for combining thrilling defense battles with minimalist controls.
Pokémon TCG Pocket, for making collecting and playing legendary Pokémon cards even better.
Thronefall, for combining thrilling defense battles with minimalist controls.
iPad App of the Year Finalists
Finalists in the iPad App of the Year category helped users unleash their creativity and productivity:
Detail, for redefining the content creation workflow.
Graintouch, for bringing the beauty of print art to more creatives.
Structured, for visualizing the busiest days in the form of digestible timelines.
Graintouch, for bringing the beauty of print art to more creatives.
Structured, for visualizing the busiest days in the form of digestible timelines.
iPad Game of the Year Finalists
Finalists in the iPad Game of the Year category brought gamers on new adventures with immersive narratives:
DREDGE, for delivering a haunting mystery and smooth gameplay to players.
Infinity Nikki, for immersing players in the whimsical world of Miraland.
Prince of Persia Lost Crown, for delivering an epic adventure from start to finish.
Infinity Nikki, for immersing players in the whimsical world of Miraland.
Prince of Persia Lost Crown, for delivering an epic adventure from start to finish.
Mac App of the Year Finalists
Finalists in the Mac App of the Year category provided users with powerful tools to confidently take on new projects:
Acorn, for being the go-to tool for pro-level photo edits.
Essayist, for taking the stress out of sourcing and formatting academic papers.
Under My Roof, for keeping homeowners organized and prepared.
Essayist, for taking the stress out of sourcing and formatting academic papers.
Under My Roof, for keeping homeowners organized and prepared.
Mac Game of the Year Finalists
Finalists in the Mac Game of the Year category created beautifully crafted worlds with compelling storylines:
Assassin’s Creed Shadows, for designing a stealthy journey through feudal Japan.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, for captivating players with stunning, futuristic visuals.
Neva, for depicting an emotionally moving tale enhanced with striking imagery.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, for captivating players with stunning, futuristic visuals.
Neva, for depicting an emotionally moving tale enhanced with striking imagery.
Apple Arcade Game of the Year Finalists
Finalists in the Apple Arcade Game of the Year category offered charming challenges and pro-level excitement:
Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE, for entertaining players through the chaos of a sticky ball.
PGA TOUR Pro Golf, for transporting fans right onto the golf course.
WHAT THE CLASH?, for delivering hundreds of silly but memorable mini games.
PGA TOUR Pro Golf, for transporting fans right onto the golf course.
WHAT THE CLASH?, for delivering hundreds of silly but memorable mini games.
Apple Vision Pro App of the Year Finalists
Finalists in the Apple Vision Pro App of the Year category stunned users with unmatched immersive visuals:
Camo Studio, for offering creators a more flexible way to livestream and create videos.
D-Day: The Camera Soldier, for pioneering the future of immersive storytelling.
Explore POV, for transporting users through its library of Apple Immersive videos filmed around the world.
D-Day: The Camera Soldier, for pioneering the future of immersive storytelling.
Explore POV, for transporting users through its library of Apple Immersive videos filmed around the world.
Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year Finalist
Finalists in the Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year category set the standard for the future of spatial gaming:
Fishing Haven, for immersing players seeking a retreat into calm waters.
Gears & Goo, for combining strategic gameplay with endearing characters.
Porta Nubi, for building atmospheric puzzles that make users feel like a light-bending superhero.
Gears & Goo, for combining strategic gameplay with endearing characters.
Porta Nubi, for building atmospheric puzzles that make users feel like a light-bending superhero.
Apple Watch App of the Year Finalists
Finalists in the Apple Watch App of the Year category delivered helpful information and extended functionality — right on users’ wrists:
GO Club, for helping users stay active and hydrated.
Pro Camera by Moment, for allowing users to snap pro-level photos directly from their wrist.
Strava, for connecting the global fitness community through performance.
Pro Camera by Moment, for allowing users to snap pro-level photos directly from their wrist.
Strava, for connecting the global fitness community through performance.
Apple TV App of the Year Finalists
Finalists in the Apple TV App of the Year category brought endless entertainment to the biggest screen in the home:
HBO Max, for streaming must-see series and prioritizing accessibility.
PBS KIDS Video, for giving parents peace of mind with kid-friendly entertainment and educational programs.
Super Farming Boy 4K, for creating a challenging adventure powered by chain reactions and combos.
PBS KIDS Video, for giving parents peace of mind with kid-friendly entertainment and educational programs.
Super Farming Boy 4K, for creating a challenging adventure powered by chain reactions and combos.
Cultural Impact Finalists
Finalists in the Cultural Impact category fostered greater understanding and gave users more ways to interact with their communities:
Art of Fauna, for capturing wildlife’s beauty in accessible puzzles.
A Space for the Unbound, for exploring mental health through a touching slice-of-life narrative.
Be My Eyes, for empowering users who are blind or have low vision.
Chants of Sennaar, for celebrating the power of language and connection.
despelote, for creatively crafting culturally grounded gameplay.
Focus Friend, for gamifying focus sessions into enjoyable challenges.
Is This Seat Taken?, for fostering empathy and inclusivity.
Retro, for creating a privacy-friendly social platform that keeps loved ones in the loop.
StoryGraph, for building an inclusive book community.
Venba, for spotlighting cultural cuisine with heartfelt storytelling.
Whoscall, for protecting users against scams.
Yuka, for helping users make conscious choices about what they consume.
A Space for the Unbound, for exploring mental health through a touching slice-of-life narrative.
Be My Eyes, for empowering users who are blind or have low vision.
Chants of Sennaar, for celebrating the power of language and connection.
despelote, for creatively crafting culturally grounded gameplay.
Focus Friend, for gamifying focus sessions into enjoyable challenges.
Is This Seat Taken?, for fostering empathy and inclusivity.
Retro, for creating a privacy-friendly social platform that keeps loved ones in the loop.
StoryGraph, for building an inclusive book community.
Venba, for spotlighting cultural cuisine with heartfelt storytelling.
Whoscall, for protecting users against scams.
Yuka, for helping users make conscious choices about what they consume.