Most app developers aim to reach the top of Apple’s App Store charts week after week. And then there are those lucky few who end up on the list of the best apps of the year. Apple celebrates the best apps and games of the year through the App Store Awards, which recognises innovation from developers across the world. This year is no exception.

With 45 App Store Award finalists across 12 different categories, these apps and games have helped users accomplish more and better connect with friends and family. This year, the awards include a new Apple Vision Pro category. “We’re thrilled to celebrate this year’s App Store Award finalists, whose imagination and craftsmanship have produced amazing apps that users love,” said Carson Oliver, Apple’s head of Worldwide App Store.

iPhone App of the Year finalists

Finalists in the category allowed users to enhance real-life experiences through personalised tools and easy-to-use features.

• Kino for turning everyday moments into cinematic masterpieces.

• Runna for offering customised training plans to runners of all experience levels.

• Tripsy for keeping travellers organised and stress-free.

iPhone Game of the Year finalists

These games offer rich visuals and compelling characters.

• AFK Journey for building enchanting fantasy worlds with striking battles.

• The WereCleaner for delivering comical and creative gameplay.

• Zenless Zone Zero for immersing players in action-packed storylines.

iPad App of the Year finalists

Finalists have been inspired by imaginative play and creativity

• Bluey: Let’s Play for delivering loveable characters.

• Moises for elevating music practice with AI-powered tools.

• Procreate Dreams for bringing animated stories to life.

iPad Game of the Year finalists

The finalists in this category featured dynamic storytelling.

• Assassin’s Creed Mirage for transporting players into a world of narrative-driven adventure.

• Disney Speedstorm for bringing exciting, high-speed racing experiences.

• Squad Busters for combining the thrill of competition with welcoming, playful gameplay.

Apple Arcade Game of the Year finalists

A very special category because this is where you can play games free of ads and in-game payments.

• Balatro+ for inventing a thrilling card game that’s like no other.

• Outlanders 2 for captivating players with revamped graphics and imaginative levels.

• Sonic Dream Team for introducing new adventures to the characters players know and love.

Mac App of the Year finalists

The Mac keeps getting more powerful and so are the apps.

• Adobe Lightroom for enhancing the photo editing process with AI-powered features.

• OmniFocus 4 for fostering focus with simplified task management.

• Shapr3D for transforming 3D design workflow.

Mac Game of the Year finalists

Play the most powerful games on the Mac without worrying about performance.

• Frostpunk 2 for expanding on the city-building genre.

• Stray for capturing both mystery and playfulness in its dark world.

• Thank Goodness You’re Here! for amusing players with nonstop humour.

Apple Watch App of the Year finalists

The companion on your wrist has become the destination for several good apps.

• LookUp for improving vocabularies with daily definitions.

• Lumy for connecting users to the rhythms of the sun and moon.

• Watch to 5K for giving runners a boost.

Apple TV App of the Year finalists

Yes, the Apple TV is a source of some excellent apps.

• DROPOUT for providing endless laughter and fun.

• F1 TV for transporting fans straight into the cockpit of a race car.

• Zoom for keeping groups connected in innovative ways.

Cultural Impact finalists

Contestants in this category brought users powerful stories.

• Arco for letting players shape their own story.

• The Bear for turning bedtime into a calming, interactive experience.

• BetterSleep for helping users sleep — and feel — better.

• Brawl Stars for delivering quick bites of action-packed gameplay.

• DailyArt for inspiring curiosity about artistic masterpieces.

• Do You Really Want to Know 2 for addressing misconceptions about HIV through an endearing interactive story.

• EF Hello for empowering language learners with AI-enhanced tools.

• NYT Games for uniting puzzle lovers across generations with a daily dose of fun.

• Oko for making street-crossing safer.

• Partiful for simplifying social gatherings to foster connection and community.

• Pinterest for inspiring new ideas and endless possibilities.

• The Wreck for telling an impactful story via cinematic gameplay.