Apple has announced the finalists for the 2024 App Store Awards. These awards celebrate innovation, creativity, and user experiences from developers around the globe. The company has selected 45 apps and games spanning 12 categories ranging from gaming and productivity to spatial computing.
The finalists represent the best of what the App Store has to offer, catering to diverse user needs and interests. Here’s a breakdown of the finalists by category:
iPhone App of the Year
- Kino: Transforms everyday moments into cinematic works of art.
- Runna: Offers personalized training plans for runners.
- Tripsy: Helps travelers stay organized and stress-free.
iPhone Game of the Year
- AFK Journey: Enchants with fantasy worlds and battles.
- The WereCleaner: Delights with quirky and creative gameplay.
- Zenless Zone Zero: Immerses players in action-packed narratives.
iPad App of the Year
- Bluey: Let’s Play: Engages families with lovable characters.
- Moises: Enhances music practice with AI-powered tools.
- Procreate Dreams: Empowers users to create animated stories.
iPad Game of the Year
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage: Offers narrative-driven adventures.
- Disney Speedstorm: Delivers high-speed racing fun.
- Squad Busters: Combines competition with playful gameplay.
Apple Arcade Game of the Year
- Balatro+: Introduces an innovative card game experience.
- Outlanders 2: Captivates with upgraded visuals and levels.
- Sonic Dream Team: Adds fresh adventures to a classic franchise.
Mac App of the Year
- Adobe Lightroom: Simplifies photo editing with AI features.
- OmniFocus 4: Streamlines task management.
- Shapr3D: Revolutionizes 3D design workflows.
Mac Game of the Year
- Frostpunk 2: Expands the city-building genre.
- Stray: Combines mystery and playfulness.
- Thank Goodness You’re Here!: Keeps players laughing with absurd humor.
Apple Watch App of the Year
- LookUp: Boosts vocabulary with daily definitions.
- Lumy: Aligns users with natural rhythms of the sun and moon.
- Watch to 5K: Supports runners on their fitness journeys.
Apple Vision Pro App of the Year
- JigSpace: Simplifies viewing 3D and AR models.
- NBA: Redefines sports viewing experiences.
- What If…? An Immersive Story: Delivers a new Marvel adventure.
Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year
- Loóna: Crafts relaxing puzzles for unwinding.
- THRASHER: Mesmerizes with stunning visuals and fluid controls.
- Vacation Simulator: Offers humorous and fun-filled virtual destinations.
Apple TV App of the Year
- DROPOUT: Brings endless laughter to the big screen.
- F1 TV: Immerses fans in the world of racing.
- Zoom: Reinvents group connectivity on Apple TV.
Cultural Impact
Apps in this category leave a lasting mark by inspiring creativity and addressing meaningful topics:
- Arco: Let players shape unique stories.
- BetterSleep: Helps users achieve better rest and relaxation.
- DailyArt: Sparks curiosity about art masterpieces.
- Oko: Enhances accessibility for safer street crossings.
- The Wreck: Offers a moving narrative through cinematic gameplay.
This year’s finalists show how apps and games can redefine entertainment, creativity, and productivity across Apple’s ecosystem. With the addition of the Vision Pro category, the awards confirm Apple’s commitment to encouraging innovation in emerging technologies like spatial computing.
Stay tuned as Apple prepares to announce the winners. I will publish the new report when the awards are announced. Stay tuned for all the latest tech updates.