For more than a decade, the App Store editorial team has listed the best apps and games of the year through the App Store Awards, highlighting a wide range of developers, from individual app creators to large international teams.

Finalists for iPhone App of the Year

The iPhone App of the Year finalists helped users discover new ways to explore and learn new skills:

• AllTrailsto help the world find its way out.
• Duolingoto make learning accessible to everyone.
• Flyingwhich allows travelers to arrive on time and avoid stress at the airport.

iPhone Game of the Year Finalists

The finalists in the “iPhone Game of the Year” category invited players to experience new adventures on the iPhone with lush graphics:

• After placeto create a retro RPG with intuitive controls.
• Honkai: Star Railwayto create a fantasy space adventure with cinematic animations.
• Vampire residentsto inspire a new genre of action gaming unfairly.

Finalists for iPad App of the Year

The iPad App of the Year finalists helped users tap into their creativity in multiple media:

• Conceptsto create innovative drawing tools and dynamic color palettes.
• DaVinci solveto create a more portable video editing experience.
• Ready for makeupto bring makeup design to life for all beauty enthusiasts.

Finalists for iPad Game of the Year

The finalists in the “iPad Game of the Year” category delighted gamers with visual storytelling, intuitive controls and absurd obstacles:

• Egg partyto create whimsical and joyful experiences for users.
• Lost in the gameits charming graphics and gameplay for all ages.
• Pocket city 2which invites players to create from their imaginations.

Finalists for Mac App of the Year

The Mac App of the Year finalists inspired users’ attention and creativity:

• Linearity curveto create innovative design tools for professionals and aspiring designers.
• Photographerto speed up and simplify your photo editing workflow.
• Portalto immerse users in beautiful scenery and surround audio.

Finalists for Mac Game of the Year

The finalists in the Mac Game of the Year category offered rich storylines and graphics:

• ELEX IIwhich transports players to a dynamic science fiction world.
• P liesabout the fluidity of the game and the alternative version of the classic tale.
• Return to Monkey Islandinspired by the iconic point-and-click adventure.

Finalists for Apple Watch App of the Year

The Apple Watch App of the Year finalists made it even easier for users to access all the information they need right from their wrist:

• Planningto intelligently help users focus on their tasks.
• SmartGymto create smart, targeted workouts regardless of skill level.
• Tide Handbookto provide water enthusiasts with real-time sea conditions.

Finalists for Apple TV App of the Year

The Apple TV App of the Year finalists delivered amazing experiences on the biggest screen in the home:

• Bugsnaxto capture the mystery and charm through play.
• FitOnto offer a variety of workout experiences with popular trainers and celebrities.
• MUBI MUBIto bring home quality cinema.

Finalists for Apple’s Arcade Game of the Year

The Apple Arcade Game of the Year finalists provided endless entertainment this year:

• Cityscapesto inspire players with a lasting and rewarding touch.
• Hello Kitty Island Adventureto take players on a grand adventure with adorable creatures.
• seamto make the meditative art of embroidery accessible to more users.

Cultural Impact Finalists

Through powerful missions, finalists in the Cultural Impact category fostered new ways to connect and celebrate the world’s diversity and wonder.

• Balanceto make menopause support more inclusive and accessible to everyone.
• Co-pilotto simplify personal finance.
• Endlingto encourage players to focus on environmental impact.
• Finding Hannahto connect women of all generations through games.
• How to say goodbyeto help users manage complex emotions.
• Pok Pokto help children learn, explore and experiment in the digital playroom.
• Proloquoto facilitate non-verbal communication.
• Rebel Girlsto turn the tall tales into a heroic discovery of women over time.
• Too good to leaveto help reduce food waste in restaurants, bakeries and supermarkets.
• Unpackingcreate puzzles that soothe the soul.

Among these applications and games, there are definitely some that will find a place on your device.