Apple announces finalists for the 2025 App Store Awards

19 November 2025

update

Apple announces finalists for 2025 App Store Awards

Global App Store Editors honor 45 app and game developers for their achievements in innovation, user experience and cultural impact

Apple today announced 45 finalists for this year’s App Store Awards, recognizing the best apps and games across 12 different categories for creating extraordinary experiences that inspire users to achieve more, reimagine their daily workflows, and push creative boundaries.

Every year, the App Store Awards honor developers from around the world whose apps are improving people’s lives, and exemplify the best in technological innovation, user experience and design. In the coming weeks, App Store Awards winners will be announced, selected from this year’s prestigious group of finalists.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the App Store Awards finalists, a diverse and talented group of developers from around the world,” said Carson Oliver, head of Apple’s App Store Worldwide. “Their commitment to excellence is an inspiration, resulting in experiences that empower users to harness their creativity, achieve more through technological innovations, and discover new adventures through worlds of gameplay.”

iPhone App of the Year Finalists

The finalists in the iPhone App of the Year category helped users refine their workflows in everyday life:

bandlabTo help musicians record and mix tracks with a community.
LadderTo take the guesswork out of strength training.
tiimoTo present tasks in a way that feels a little more peaceful.

iPhone Game of the Year Finalists

The finalists in the iPhone Game of the Year category created great gameplay and generational entertainment:

Go Capybara!Take the form of a lovable creature to take players on a quirky idle adventure.
pokemon tcg pocketTo collect legendary Pokémon cards and make the game even better.
fall of the throneFor combining thrilling defense battles with minimal controls.

iPad App of the Year Finalists

The finalists in the iPad App of the Year category helped users unleash their creativity and productivity:

DescriptionTo redefine the content creation workflow.
greentouchTo bring the beauty of print art to more creative people.
structuredTo visualize the busiest days as digestible deadlines.

iPad Game of the Year Finalists

The finalists in the iPad Game of the Year category take gamers on new adventures with immersive narratives:

to sprinkleTo provide players with a haunting mystery and intuitive gameplay.
Infinity NikkiTo immerse players in the whimsical world of Miraland.
prince of persia lost his crownTo deliver an epic adventure from start to finish.

Mac App of the Year Finalists

The finalists in the Mac App of the Year category provide users with powerful tools to take on new projects with confidence:

acornTo be a useful tool for pro-level photo editing.
essayistTo take the stress out of sourcing and drafting academic papers.
under my roofTo keep homeowners organized and prepared.

Mac Game of the Year Finalist

The finalists in the Mac Game of the Year category create beautifully crafted worlds with compelling stories:

shadow of assassin’s creedTo plan a secret trip through feudal Japan.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate EditionTo mesmerize players with stunning, futuristic visuals.
neva riverFor portraying an emotionally poignant story with engaging imagery.

Apple Arcade Game of the Year Finalist

The finalists in the Apple Arcade Game of the Year category offer engaging challenges and pro-level excitement:

Katamari Damacy Rolling LiveTo entertain players through sticky ball chaos.
pga tour pro golfTo take fans straight to the golf course.
What conflict?Hundreds of silly but memorable mini games to deliver.

Apple Vision Pro App of the Year Finalist

The finalists in the Apple Vision Pro App of the Year category amaze users with unmatched immersive visuals:

Camo StudioTo provide creators a more flexible way to livestream and create videos.
D-Day: The Camera SoldierTo advance the future of immersive storytelling.
Explore POVTo transport users through Apple’s library of immersive videos filmed around the world.

Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year Finalist

The finalists in the Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year category set the bar for the future of spatial gaming:

fishing holeFor players seeking relaxation to take a dip in the tranquil waters.
gears and gooFor combining strategic gameplay with charming characters.
porta nubiTo create atmospheric puzzles that make users feel like light-bending superheroes.

Apple Watch App of the Year Finalist

The finalists in the Apple Watch App of the Year category provide useful information and expanded functionality on users’ wrists:

go clubbingTo help users stay active and hydrated.
Pro Camera by MomentTo allow users to capture pro-level photos straight from their wrist.
StravaTo connect the global fitness community through performance.

Apple TV App of the Year Finalist

The finalists in the Apple TV App of the Year category brought endless entertainment to the biggest screen at home:

hbo maxTo prioritize streaming and access to must-watch series.
pbs kids videosTo give parents peace of mind with kid-friendly entertainment and educational programs.
Super Farming Boy 4KTo create a challenging adventure driven by chain reactions and combos.

Cultural Impact Finalist

The finalists in the Cultural Impact category developed greater understanding and gave users more ways to interact with their communities:

animal artTo capture the beauty of wildlife in accessible puzzles.
A place for the unboundFor exploring mental health through a poignant slice of life story.
be my eyesTo empower users who are blind or have low vision.
mantras of sennarTo celebrate the power of language and connection.
to disappointTo creatively craft culturally based gameplay.
focus friendTo turn focus sessions into fun challenges.
Is this seat taken?To promote empathy and inclusivity.
retroTo create a privacy-friendly social platform that keeps loved ones informed.
storygraphTo build an inclusive book community.
VenbaTo shed light on cultural cuisine with heartfelt storytelling.
call whomTo protect users from scams.
yucaTo help users make conscious choices about their consumption.

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D’Nara Kush

Apple

d_cush@apple.com

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