Announcing the Top 45 Apps and Games Finalists

Apple Monday announcement 45 finalists for the 2024 App Store Awards in 12 categories. These apps and games have empowered users by improving creativity, productivity, and social connections.

A new category for Apple Vision Pro apps was introduced this year to honor advances in spatial computing. The annual awards celebrate innovation, user experience and design excellence from developers around the world.

Finalists for iPhone App of the Year

These apps have provided innovative tools to improve everyday experiences:

• Kino: Transform ordinary moments into cinematic masterpieces.
• Runna: Providing personalized training plans for runners of all levels.
• Tripsy: Travel planning made easy to reduce stress and stay organized.

Finalists for iPhone Game of the Year

These games have captivated players with gripping stories and stunning visuals:

• AFK Journey: Build fantasy worlds with exciting battles.
• The WereCleaner: humorous and inventive gameplay offered.
• Zenless Zone Zero: Immerse players in action-driven narratives.

iPad App of the Year Finalists

These apps inspired creativity and interactive play:

• Bluey: Let’s Play: family entertainment with beloved characters.
• Moises: enhanced music practice using AI-based tools.
• Procreate Dreams: Allows users to create animated stories.

iPad Game of the Year Finalists

These games featured dynamic storytelling and immersive worlds:

• Assassin’s Creed Mirage: delivery of a narrative adventure.
• Disney Speedstorm: Offers players thrilling high-speed races.
• Squad Busters: gameplay that is both competitive and fun.

Apple Arcade Game of the Year Finalists

These titles redefined the classics and delivered captivating stories:

• Balatro+: introducing a unique and engaging card game.
• Outlanders 2: captivated players with revamped visuals and levels.
• Sonic Dream Team: expansion of classic characters with new adventures.

Mac App of the Year Finalists

These tools boosted productivity and creativity:

• Adobe Lightroom: Photo editing made easy with AI-powered enhancements.
• OmniFocus 4: Streamlined task management for better productivity.
• Shapr3D: Workflows transformed into 3D design.

Mac Game of the Year Finalists

These games offered distinctive storytelling and engaging gameplay:

• Frostpunk 2: Improved the city building genre.
• Stray: Combines mystery and mischief in a dark setting.
• Thank goodness you are here! : Non-stop humor and absurdity.

Finalists for Apple Watch App of the Year

These applications brought convenience and efficiency to users’ wrists:

• LookUp: Improved vocabulary with daily definitions.
• Lumy: users synchronized with the natural rhythms of the sun and moon.
• Watch the 5K: runners motivated to achieve their goals.

Finalists for Apple Vision Pro App of the Year

These applications have taken spatial computing to new heights:

• JigSpace: Simplified visualization of 3D and AR models.
• NBA: Has revolutionized the way users watch sports.
• What if…? An Immersive Story: Delivers a new type of Marvel experience.

Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year Finalists

These games impressed with vibrant visuals and intuitive gameplay:

• Loóna: Provided relaxing puzzles to relax.
• THRASHER: Delivers fascinating alien worlds with smooth controls.
• Vacation Simulator: offers fun and unusual destinations to explore.

Finalists for Apple TV App of the Year

These apps provide engaging experiences for home entertainment:

• DROPOUT: Endless comedy and entertainment.
• F1 TV: fans immersed in the racing action.
• Zoom: Innovative group communication on the big screen.

Cultural Impact Finalists

These apps and games have created meaningful connections and awareness:

• Arco: Allows players to create their own narrative.
• The Bear: Made bedtime an interactive and calming experience.
• BetterSleep: Helped users improve their sleeping habits.
• Brawl Stars: Offers quick bursts of action-packed gameplay.
• DailyArt: Inspired curiosity about the history of art.
• Do You Really Want to Know 2: Combating misconceptions about HIV through interactive storytelling.
• EF Hello: Empowering language learners with AI-enhanced features.
• NYT Games: brought together puzzle lovers with daily challenges.
• Oko: Improvement of accessibility and safety at level crossings.
• Partiful: social event planning made easy.
• Pinterest: Spark creativity with endless ideas.
• The Wreck: Tells an intimate story with cinematic gameplay.

Announcement of the winner

The winners of the 2024 App Store Awards will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Commenting on the announcement, Carson Oliver, head of Apple’s Worldwide App Store, said,

We’re thrilled to celebrate this year’s App Store Award finalists, whose creativity and dedication have resulted in incredible apps that users love. From games that transport players to extraordinary new worlds to apps that spark creativity, these developers deliver experiences that are both captivating and inspiring.