Apple Announces Finalists for 2025 App Store Awards [List]

Apple has announced 45 finalists for the 2025 App Store Awards, spotlighting apps and games that stood out across design, innovation, and user experience. This year's nominees span 12 categories and cover every major platform, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro.



The annual awards program highlights developers whose work improves users' lives and pushes creative boundaries through technical innovation. Carson Oliver, Apple's head of App Store Worldwide, says the finalists represent a global group creating experiences that redefine gameplay and assist in daily workflows. The winners will be selected in the coming weeks.


For iPhone App of the Year, the shortlist includes the music creation platform BandLab, strength training companion LADDER, and the visual planning tool Tiimo. Finalists for iPhone Game of the Year include Capybara Go!, Pokémon TCG Pocket, and the strategy game Thronefall.

On the tablet front, productivity and creativity took center stage with Detail, Graintouch, and Structured securing nominations for iPad App of the Year. The iPad Game of the Year contenders are DREDGE, Infinity Nikki, and Prince of Persia Lost Crown, titles selected for their immersive narratives.

Mac users saw powerful utilities recognized in the Mac App of the Year category, with Acorn, Essayist, and Under My Roof making the cut. The platform also continues to grow as a gaming destination. Assassin's Creed Shadows, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, and Neva are competing for Mac Game of the Year.

Elsewhere in the ecosystem, GO Club, Pro Camera by Moment, and Strava were selected for delivering essential functionality in the Apple Watch App of the Year category. For the living room, HBO Max, PBS KIDS Video, and Super Farming Boy 4K were highlighted as finalists for Apple TV App of the Year.


The awards also acknowledge the unique capabilities of spatial computing. Finalists for Apple Vision Pro App of the Year include Camo Studio, D-Day: The Camera Soldier, and Explore POV. In the Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year category, Fishing Haven, Gears & Goo, and Porta Nubi are in the running.

Apple Arcade Game of the Year finalists include Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE, PGA TOUR Pro Golf, and WHAT THE CLASH?. Finally, 12 apps were noted for the Cultural Impact Award, a list that includes Be My Eyes and Chants of Sennaar.

A complete list of finalists is available on the App Store.