Apple on Wednesday unveiled 45 finalists for the annual App Store Awards, spotlighting developers whose apps and games have demonstrated exceptional innovation, design and cultural impact across iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro platforms. Selected by App Store editors, the finalists represent global excellence in creativity, user experience and technical achievement
iPhone apps and games lead with creativity and functionality
In the iPhone App of the Year category, BandLab, LADDER, and Tiimo earned top recognition for improving creative workflows, offering structured strength training support and helping users manage routines with mindfulness.
For iPhone Game of the Year, Capybara Go!, Pokémon TCG Pocket, and Thronefall impressed editors with inventive gameplay mechanics and wide popularity across age groups.
iPad finalists highlight productivity and storytelling
On the iPad platform, creativity and productivity remained central themes. Apps such as Detail, Graintouch, and Structured were recognised for elevating video quality, enabling tactile sound design and improving task management.
Narrative-rich games including DREDGE, Infinity Nikki, and Prince of Persia: Lost Crown stood out for their visual depth, storytelling ambition and immersive worlds.
Mac apps emphasise efficiency and world-building
Apple’s Mac finalists reflected a blend of productivity and entertainment. Acorn was acknowledged for advanced photo editing, Essayist for simplifying academic writing and research, and Under My Roof for comprehensive home inventory and management.
In gaming, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, and Neva earned recognition for exceptional world-building, narrative sophistication and technical performance on macOS.
Vision Pro finalists showcase new frontiers in spatial computing
On the company’s newest platform, Vision Pro, top apps included Camo Studio, D-Day: The Camera Soldier, and Explore POV, all of which enhance spatial media creation, immersive storytelling and first-person exploration.
Games such as Fishing Haven, Gears & Goo, and Porta Nubi showcased the potential of spatial gaming through intuitive interactions and vivid environments.
Cultural Impact category spotlights accessibility and inclusivity
Apps with strong community and social value dominated the Cultural Impact category. Be My Eyes, StoryGraph, Retro, Venba, and Yuka were highlighted for contributions to accessibility, thoughtful cultural storytelling, healthier choices and inclusive digital spaces.
Apple celebrates global developer innovation
Apple said the 2024 finalists reflect the “ever-changing creativity of the global developer community” and reaffirm the App Store’s role in shaping breakthrough digital experiences.
“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.
The awards continue to honour developers who elevate everyday life by improving productivity, encouraging creativity and pushing the boundaries of gameplay and digital interaction.