Apple has announced the 45 finalists for the 2025 App Store Awards. These developers, chosen by global App Store editors, were selected across 12 categories for their strong performances in user experience, design, and cultural relevance. Winners will be revealed in the coming weeks.
According to the announcement, the finalists “helped users refine their workflows in everyday life” (iPhone App category) and “crafted fantastic gameplay and generation-spanning fun” (iPhone Game category).
For example, among the iPhone App of the Year finalists are BandLab, which allows musicians to record and mix tracks with a community; LADDER, designed to remove guesswork from strength training; and Tiimo, which presents to-do lists in a more calming format.
In the iPhone Game of the Year category, finalists include Capybara Go!, an idle adventure game featuring a quirky critter; Pokémon TCG Pocket, offering enhanced digital card-game experiences; and Thronefall, a defence-style title with minimalist controls.
The iPad App category includes Detail, which reshapes content-creation workflows; Graintouch, aimed at translating print-art aesthetics for digital creatives; and Structured, an app for visualising busy days via timelines.
iPad Game finalists include DREDGE, praised for a haunting mystery and smooth gameplay; Infinity Nikki, set in the whimsical Miraland universe; and Prince of Persia Lost Crown, an epic adventure experience.
In the Mac App of the Year category, Acorn is noted for its photo-editing capabilities, Essayist simplifies sourcing and formatting academic work, and Under My Roof helps homeowners stay organised.
The Mac Game finalists list includes Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a stealth narrative in feudal Japan; Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, known for its futuristic visuals; and Neva, an emotionally driven tale with striking imagery.
For Apple Arcade Game of the Year, finalists are Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE, which makes use of sticky-ball mechanics; PGA TOUR Pro Golf, designed to replicate the golfing experience; and WHAT THE CLASH?, offering many mini-games in a playful collection.
In the Apple Vision Pro App category, finalists include Camo Studio, for more flexible livestreaming and video-creation workflows; D-Day: The Camera Soldier, which pushes immersive storytelling; and Explore POV, delivering VR-style video experiences from around the globe.
The Apple Vision Pro Game category finalists are Fishing Haven, a calm-water retreat; Gears & Goo, combining strategy and character-driven play; and Porta Nubi, a light-bending puzzle adventure.
In the Apple Watch App of the Year category, finalists include GO Club, which helps users stay active and hydrated; Pro Camera by Moment, for taking pro-level photos from a wrist-mounted camera; and Strava, which connects a global fitness community.
The Apple TV App of the Year finalists consist of HBO Max, focusing on streaming and accessibility; PBS KIDS Video, offering educational and family content; and Super Farming Boy 4K, a combo-based adventure game for the TV.
The Cultural Impact category highlights apps that extend beyond typical use-cases and foster community or social good. Finalists include Art of Fauna, which uses accessible puzzles to depict wildlife; A Space for the Unbound, exploring mental health through narrative; Be My Eyes, empowering visually impaired users; Chants of Sennaar, celebrating language and connection; despelote, grounded in culturally rooted gameplay; Focus Friend, gamifying focus sessions; Is This Seat Taken?, promoting empathy and inclusivity; Retro, a privacy-friendly social platform; StoryGraph, an inclusive book-community; Venba, storytelling around cultural cuisine; Whoscall, protecting users from scams; and Yuka, helping users make conscious consumption choices.
This year’s finalists reflect a range of platforms (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro) and a wide variety of app and game types—from productivity and creation tools to immersive games and social-impact experiences. The next step will be the selection of winners from this set of finalists.
