Apple thinks these are the best apps of 2025

We have reached the time of year when ‘best of’ roundups become increasingly difficult to avoid. Not wanting to buck the trend, Apple has released its list of finalists for the 2025 App Store Awards.

The list is not just about apps, but also includes games. Apple says that the aim is to recognize developers’ “achievements in innovation, user experience, and cultural impact”.

The exact criteria for making the list are not revealed, but it is nothing to do with installation numbers. Apple says that it is using the list to acknowledge “the best apps and games across 12 different categories for creating exceptional experiences that inspire users to accomplish more, reimagine their daily workflows, and push creative boundaries”.

Carson Oliver, Apple’s head of App Store Worldwide, says of the 2025 edition of the list of finalists:

We’re thrilled to celebrate the App Store Award finalists, a diverse and talented group of developers from around the globe. Their commitment to excellence is an inspiration, resulting in experiences that empowered users to tap into their creativity, achieve more through technical innovations, and discover new adventures through the world of gameplay.

The list covers apps and games across various platforms and is broken into numerous categories:

iPhone App of the Year Finalists

Finalists in the iPhone App of the Year category helped users refine their workflows in everyday life:

BandLab, for helping musicians record and mix tracks with a community.
LADDER, for taking the guesswork out of strength training.
Tiimo, for presenting to-dos in a way that feels a bit more calming.

iPhone Game of the Year Finalists 

Finalists in the iPhone Game of the Year category crafted fantastic gameplay and generation-spanning fun:

Capybara Go!, for taking players on a quirky idle adventure as a lovable critter.
Pokémon TCG Pocket, for making collecting and playing legendary Pokémon cards even better.
Thronefall, for combining thrilling defense battles with minimalist controls.

iPad App of the Year Finalists 

Finalists in the iPad App of the Year category helped users unleash their creativity and productivity:

Detail, for redefining the content creation workflow.
Graintouch, for bringing the beauty of print art to more creatives.
Structured, for visualizing the busiest days in the form of digestible timelines.

iPad Game of the Year Finalists 

Finalists in the iPad Game of the Year category brought gamers on new adventures with immersive narratives:

DREDGE, for delivering a haunting mystery and smooth gameplay to players.
Infinity Nikki, for immersing players in the whimsical world of Miraland.
Prince of Persia Lost Crown, for delivering an epic adventure from start to finish.

Mac App of the Year Finalists 

Finalists in the Mac App of the Year category provided users with powerful tools to confidently take on new projects:

Acorn, for being the go-to tool for pro-level photo edits.
Essayist, for taking the stress out of sourcing and formatting academic papers.
Under My Roof, for keeping homeowners organized and prepared.

Mac Game of the Year Finalists 

Finalists in the Mac Game of the Year category created beautifully crafted worlds with compelling storylines: 

Assassin’s Creed Shadows, for designing a stealthy journey through feudal Japan.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, for captivating players with stunning, futuristic visuals.
Neva, for depicting an emotionally moving tale enhanced with striking imagery.

Apple Arcade Game of the Year Finalists 

Finalists in the Apple Arcade Game of the Year category offered charming challenges and pro-level excitement:

Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE, for entertaining players through the chaos of a sticky ball.
PGA TOUR Pro Golf, for transporting fans right onto the golf course.
WHAT THE CLASH?, for delivering hundreds of silly but memorable mini games.

Apple Vision Pro App of the Year Finalists 

Finalists in the Apple Vision Pro App of the Year category stunned users with unmatched immersive visuals:

Camo Studio, for offering creators a more flexible way to livestream and create videos.
D-Day: The Camera Soldier, for pioneering the future of immersive storytelling.
Explore POV, for transporting users through its library of Apple Immersive videos filmed around the world.

Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year Finalists

Finalists in the Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year category set the standard for the future of spatial gaming:

Fishing Haven, for immersing players seeking a retreat into calm waters.
Gears & Goo, for combining strategic gameplay with endearing characters.
Porta Nubi, for building atmospheric puzzles that make users feel like a light-bending superhero.

Apple Watch App of the Year Finalists

Finalists in the Apple Watch App of the Year category delivered helpful information and extended functionality — right on users’ wrists:

GO Club, for helping users stay active and hydrated.
Pro Camera by Moment, for allowing users to snap pro-level photos directly from their wrist.
Strava, for connecting the global fitness community through performance.

Apple TV App of the Year Finalists

Finalists in the Apple TV App of the Year category brought endless entertainment to the biggest screen in the home:

HBO Max, for streaming must-see series and prioritizing accessibility.
PBS KIDS Video, for giving parents peace of mind with kid-friendly entertainment and educational programs.
Super Farming Boy 4K, for creating a challenging adventure powered by chain reactions and combos.

Cultural Impact Finalists

Finalists in the Cultural Impact category fostered greater understanding and gave users more ways to interact with their communities:

Art of Fauna, for capturing wildlife’s beauty in accessible puzzles.
A Space for the Unbound, for exploring mental health through a touching slice-of-life narrative.
Be My Eyes, for empowering users who are blind or have low vision.
Chants of Sennaar, for celebrating the power of language and connection.
despelote, for creatively crafting culturally grounded gameplay.
Focus Friend, for gamifying focus sessions into enjoyable challenges.
Is This Seat Taken?, for fostering empathy and inclusivity.
Retro, for creating a privacy-friendly social platform that keeps loved ones in the loop.
StoryGraph, for building an inclusive book community.
Venba, for spotlighting cultural cuisine with heartfelt storytelling.
Whoscall, for protecting users against scams.
Yuka, for helping users make conscious choices about what they consume.