November 19, 2025
UPDATE
Apple announces finalists for the 2025 App Store Awards
Global App Store editors recognize 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 exceptional experiences that inspire users to accomplish more, reimagine their daily workflows, and push creative boundaries.
Each year, the App Store Awards celebrate developers from around the world whose apps are improving people’s lives, and exemplify the very best in technical innovation, user experience, and design. In the coming weeks, App Store Award winners will be announced, selected from this year’s distinguished group of finalists.
“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.”
iPhone App of the Year Finalists
Finalists in the iPhone App of the Year category helped users refine their workflows in everyday life:
BandLabfor helping musicians record and mix tracks with a community.
LADDERfor taking the guesswork out of strength training.
Timofor presenting to-dos in a way that feels a bit more calming.
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 Pocketfor making collecting and playing legendary Pokémon cards even better.
Thronefallfor 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:
Detailfor redefining the content creation workflow.
Graintouchfor bringing the beauty of print art to more creatives.
Structuredfor 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:
DREDGEfor delivering a haunting mystery and smooth gameplay to players.
Infinity Nikkifor immersing players in the whimsical world of Miraland.
Prince of Persia Lost Crownfor 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:
Acornfor being the go-to tool for pro-level photo edits.
Essayistfor taking the stress out of sourcing and formatting academic papers.
Under My Rooffor 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 Shadowsfor designing a stealthy journey through feudal Japan.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Editionfor captivating players with stunning, futuristic visuals.
Nevafor 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 LIVEfor entertaining players through the chaos of a sticky ball.
PGA TOUR Pro Golffor 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 Studiofor offering creators a more flexible way to livestream and create videos.
D-Day: The Camera Soldierfor pioneering the future of immersive storytelling.
Explore POVfor transporting users through its library of Apple Immersive videos filmed around the world.
Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year Finalists
Finalists in the Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year category set the standard for the future of spatial gaming:
Fishing Havenfor immersing players seeking a retreat into calm waters.
Gears & Goofor combining strategic gameplay with endearing characters.
Bring Cloudsfor 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 Clubfor helping users stay active and hydrated.
Pro Camera by Momentfor allowing users to snap pro-level photos directly from their wrist.
Stravafor 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 Maxfor streaming must-see series and prioritizing accessibility.
PBS KIDS Videofor giving parents peace of mind with kid-friendly entertainment and educational programs.
Super Farming Boy 4Kfor 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 Faunafor capturing wildlife’s beauty in accessible puzzles.
A Space for the Unboundfor exploring mental health through a touching slice-of-life narrative.
Be My Eyesfor empowering users who are blind or have low vision.
Chants of Sennaarfor celebrating the power of language and connection.
despelotefor creatively crafting culturally grounded gameplay.
Focus Friendfor gamifying focus sessions into enjoyable challenges.
Is This Seat Taken?for fostering empathy and inclusivity.
Retrofor creating a privacy-friendly social platform that keeps loved ones in the loop.
StoryGraphfor building an inclusive book community.
Venbafor spotlighting cultural cuisine with heartfelt storytelling.
Whoscallfor protecting users against scams.
Yukafor helping users make conscious choices about what they consume.
Press Contacts
D’Nara Cush
Apple
d_cush@apple.com
Apple Media Helpline
media.help@apple.com
