Apple on Monday announced 45 finalists for the 2024 App Store Awards across 12 categories. These apps and games have empowered users by enhancing creativity, productivity, and social connections.
A new category for Apple Vision Pro apps was introduced this year to honor advancements in spatial computing. The annual awards celebrate innovation, user experience, and design excellence from developers globally.
iPhone App of the Year Finalists
These apps provided innovative tools to elevate daily experiences:
- Kino: Transformed ordinary moments into cinematic masterpieces.
- Runna: Delivered personalized training plans for runners of all levels.
- Tripsy: Simplified travel planning to reduce stress and stay organized.
iPhone Game of the Year Finalists
These games captivated players with engaging stories and stunning visuals:
- AFK Journey: Built fantastical worlds with exciting battles.
- The WereCleaner: Offered humorous and inventive gameplay.
- Zenless Zone Zero: Immersed players in action-driven narratives.
iPad App of the Year Finalists
These apps inspired creativity and interactive play:
- Bluey: Let’s Play: Delivered family-friendly fun with beloved characters.
- Moises: Enhanced music practice using AI-powered tools.
- Procreate Dreams: Enabled users to craft animated stories.
iPad Game of the Year Finalists
These games showcased dynamic storytelling and immersive worlds:
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage: Delivered a narrative-driven adventure.
- Disney Speedstorm: Brought thrilling, high-speed racing to players.
- Squad Busters: Blended competitive and playful gameplay.
Apple Arcade Game of the Year Finalists
These titles redefined classics and delivered compelling narratives:
- Balatro+: Introduced a unique and engaging card game.
- Outlanders 2: Captivated players with revamped visuals and levels.
- Sonic Dream Team: Expanded on classic characters with new adventures.
Mac App of the Year Finalists
These tools boosted productivity and creativity:
- Adobe Lightroom: Simplified photo editing with AI-driven enhancements.
- OmniFocus 4: Streamlined task management for better productivity.
- Shapr3D: Transformed workflows in 3D design.
Mac Game of the Year Finalists
These games offered distinctive storytelling and engaging gameplay:
- Frostpunk 2: Elevated the city-building genre.
- Stray: Combined mystery and playfulness in a dark setting.
- Thank Goodness You’re Here!: Delivered non-stop humor and absurdity.
Apple Watch App of the Year Finalists
These apps brought convenience and efficiency to users’ wrists:
- LookUp: Improved vocabulary through daily definitions.
- Lumy: Synced users with natural rhythms of the sun and moon.
- Watch to 5K: Motivated runners to achieve their goals.
Apple Vision Pro App of the Year Finalists
These apps pushed spatial computing to new heights:
- JigSpace: Simplified viewing of 3D and AR models.
- NBA: Revolutionized the way users watch sports.
- What If…? An Immersive Story: Offered 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 for unwinding.
- THRASHER: Delivered mesmerizing alien worlds with smooth controls.
- Vacation Simulator: Offered playful, quirky destinations to explore.
Apple TV App of the Year Finalists
These apps delivered engaging experiences for home entertainment:
- DROPOUT: Brought endless comedy and entertainment.
- F1 TV: Immersed fans in the racing action.
- Zoom: Innovated group communication on the big screen.
Cultural Impact Finalists
These apps and games created meaningful connections and awareness:
- Arco: Allowed players to craft their own narrative.
- The Bear: Made bedtime an interactive, calming experience.
- BetterSleep: Helped users improve their sleep habits.
- Brawl Stars: Offered quick bursts of action-packed gameplay.
- DailyArt: Inspired curiosity about art history.
- Do You Really Want to Know 2: Tackled HIV misconceptions with interactive storytelling.
- EF Hello: Empowered language learners with AI-enhanced features.
- NYT Games: Brought puzzle lovers together with daily challenges.
- Oko: Enhanced accessibility and safety for street crossings.
- Partiful: Simplified planning for social events.
- Pinterest: Sparked creativity with endless ideas.
- The Wreck: Told an intimate story with cinematic gameplay.
Winner Announcement
The winners of the 2024 App Store Awards will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Speaking about the announcement, Carson Oliver, Apple’s Head of Worldwide App Store, said,
We’re delighted to celebrate this year’s App Store Award finalists, whose creativity and dedication have resulted in incredible apps loved by users. From games that transport players to extraordinary new worlds to apps that spark creativity, these developers are delivering experiences that both captivate and inspire.