Apple App Store Award 2024: Top Finalists Across 12 Categories

The Apple App Store Award is one of the most prestigious honors in the tech world, recognizing the best apps and games that have set new standards for design, innovation, and user experience. Apple’s App Store Editors have carefully selected 45 finalists across 12 categories for the 2024 awards. These apps and games have helped millions of users around the world accomplish more, get creative, and stay connected in meaningful ways. This year’s awards have also introduced a brand-new Apple Vision Pro category, shining a spotlight on groundbreaking achievements in spatial computing.

As in previous years, the Apple App Store Awards aim to celebrate the developers who go beyond expectations to deliver unique and enriching experiences. This year’s finalists represent the highest level of creativity and craftsmanship, offering users extraordinary experiences that enhance their daily lives. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the categories and finalists for the 2024 Apple App Store Awards, highlighting their features and what makes them stand out.

iPhone App of the Year Finalists

The iPhone App of the Year category recognizes apps that improve users’ real-life experiences through personalized tools and easy-to-use features. This year’s finalists include:

Kino – Kino takes everyday moments and turns them into cinematic masterpieces. Whether you are capturing a family gathering or a quiet walk in the park, Kino helps you add a professional touch to your videos, making them feel like works of art.
Runna – Runna is designed for runners of all skill levels. It offers tailored training plans that adapt to your progress, helping you push your limits and achieve your fitness goals. With features like GPS tracking and personalized coaching, Runna is the perfect companion for anyone looking to take their running to the next level.
Tripsy – Tripsy is the ultimate travel companion. It helps users organize their trips by keeping track of flights, hotel reservations, activities, and more, all in one place. With its user-friendly interface, Tripsy takes the stress out of travel planning, allowing you to enjoy your vacation without any hassle.

Each of these apps has been praised for their user-centric design and powerful features, making everyday life more enjoyable and efficient.

iPhone Game of the Year Finalists

The iPhone Game of the Year category honors the most captivating and engaging mobile games. Finalists in this category offer immersive storylines and stunning visuals that transport players to new worlds:

AFK Journey – This fantasy role-playing game allows players to build their own enchanting worlds while engaging in strategic battles. With beautiful graphics and a rich narrative, AFK Journey keeps players coming back for more.
The WereCleaner – A hilarious and inventive game that blends creativity with humor. Players take on the role of a werewolf who must clean up messes while avoiding hilarious obstacles. Its unique premise and lighthearted gameplay make it a standout title.
Zenless Zone Zero – Zenless Zone Zero immerses players in a world of action-packed storytelling. With its compelling characters and high-octane gameplay, it offers an exciting experience for fans of action RPGs and fast-paced adventures.

These games not only entertain but also offer a deep emotional connection, making them worthy of recognition in the iPhone Game of the Year category.

iPad App of the Year Finalists

The iPad App of the Year category highlights apps that inspire creativity and imaginative play. This year’s finalists are no exception, with each app offering something unique:

Bluey: Let’s Play – Based on the beloved children’s show, Bluey: Let’s Play offers fun and interactive experiences for kids. With its charming characters and family-friendly activities, it’s an app that parents and children can enjoy together.
Moises – Moises takes music practice to a whole new level. Using AI-powered features, the app helps musicians learn and perfect their craft by isolating different parts of a song, changing the pitch, and adjusting the tempo.
Procreate Dreams – Procreate is known for being one of the best drawing apps for iPad, and Procreate Dreams takes things a step further by helping users create animated stories. The app’s intuitive tools make it easier than ever to bring illustrations to life.

These apps celebrate the creative spirit, offering users of all ages the tools to explore their imagination.

iPad Game of the Year Finalists

In the iPad Game of the Year category, the finalists offer players a combination of dynamic storytelling and beautifully crafted worlds. Each game provides an immersive experience that transports players to captivating new realms:

Assassin’s Creed Mirage – Assassin’s Creed Mirage takes players into a world of action and adventure, full of rich narrative and historical settings. The game’s breathtaking visuals and compelling plot make it one of the best in the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
Disney Speedstorm – Disney Speedstorm brings high-speed racing action to iPad, featuring iconic Disney and Pixar characters. The game’s fun, fast-paced gameplay and stunning graphics make it a hit among racing game enthusiasts.
Squad Busters – Squad Busters combines the thrill of competition with playful, lighthearted gameplay. The game’s unique mechanics and colorful design make it easy for both casual players and serious gamers to enjoy.

These games offer not only great entertainment but also engaging stories and stunning visuals, making them worthy of being nominated for iPad Game of the Year.

Apple Arcade Game of the Year Finalists

The Apple Arcade Game of the Year category celebrates games that refresh classic genres with modern design and innovative gameplay. The finalists include:

Balatro+ – Balatro+ is a thrilling card game that’s like no other. It combines strategy and luck in a way that keeps players engaged, offering a fresh twist on traditional card games.
Outlanders 2 – Outlanders 2 builds on its predecessor with updated graphics and imaginative levels. This city-building game lets players design and manage their own settlements, offering hours of fun and strategic gameplay.
Sonic Dream Team – Sonic Dream Team brings new adventures to the beloved Sonic universe. With creative levels and fast-paced action, it’s a fresh take on the iconic series that fans will love.

These games are perfect examples of how innovation can breathe new life into classic genres, offering new and exciting experiences for Apple Arcade subscribers.

Mac App of the Year Finalists

The Mac App of the Year category honors apps that help users tackle projects with ease. This year’s finalists offer powerful tools that enhance productivity and creativity:

Adobe Lightroom – Adobe Lightroom has long been a favorite of photographers, and its latest version leverages AI to enhance the photo editing process. With powerful features and an intuitive interface, Lightroom helps users create stunning images.
OmniFocus 4 – OmniFocus 4 helps users stay focused and organized with its simplified task management system. It’s perfect for people looking to improve their productivity and keep track of their to-do lists in a streamlined way.
Shapr3D – Shapr3D is transforming the 3D design workflow with its intuitive tools and powerful features. Whether you’re a professional designer or a hobbyist, Shapr3D makes it easy to create and edit 3D models directly on your Mac.

These apps stand out for their ability to enhance productivity and foster creativity, making them worthy of recognition as Mac App of the Year finalists.

Apple Watch App of the Year Finalists

The Apple Watch App of the Year category highlights apps that offer users easy access to helpful tools and information right on their wrist. Finalists in this category include:

LookUp – LookUp is a vocabulary-building app that provides daily word definitions, helping users expand their language skills. It’s a simple yet powerful way to learn new words and improve vocabulary on the go.
Lumy – Lumy helps users track the rhythms of the sun and moon, providing valuable information about sunrise, sunset, and moon phases. It’s a great tool for anyone interested in astronomy or simply looking to better plan their day around natural light.
Watch to 5K – Watch to 5K is a fitness app that helps runners build stamina and achieve their goals. It offers guided training sessions designed to take users from novice to running a 5K, making it a perfect tool for fitness enthusiasts.

These apps make it easier to access useful information and stay on top of tasks, all from the convenience of the Apple Watch.

Apple Vision Pro App of the Year Finalists

Apple’s new Vision Pro category recognizes apps that push the boundaries of spatial computing, offering innovative ways for users to interact with augmented and virtual reality. Finalists in this category include:

JigSpace – JigSpace is an app that allows users to view 3D and augmented reality models with ease. It’s a powerful tool for visualizing complex concepts, making it an invaluable resource for education and professional fields.
NBA – The NBA app for Vision Pro redefines the way users watch basketball. It allows fans to experience games in a fully immersive, interactive environment, offering a completely new way to enjoy sports.
What If…? An Immersive Story – What If…? is a groundbreaking Marvel experience that lets players explore new, interactive stories in a fully immersive world. It’s an app that takes storytelling to a whole new level, engaging users like never before.

These apps showcase the potential of spatial computing, offering users groundbreaking experiences that take advantage of the latest technology.

Apple TV App of the Year Finalists

The Apple TV App of the Year category celebrates apps that bring immersive entertainment experiences to users’ living rooms. Finalists in this category include:

DROPOUT – DROPOUT is an app that offers endless laughter and fun, featuring a variety of comedic content that keeps users entertained for hours.
F1 TV – F1 TV brings fans closer to the action with immersive racing experiences. Offering live race coverage, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes footage, it’s a must-have for Formula 1 enthusiasts.
Zoom – Zoom continues to be an essential tool for keeping groups connected. With its innovative features, Zoom has transformed the way people communicate, making it easier to collaborate remotely.

These apps offer exceptional entertainment experiences that take full advantage of the large screen on Apple TV.

Conclusion

The 2024 Apple App Store Awards showcase the incredible creativity and innovation that developers bring to the table every year. The finalists in each category have delivered remarkable apps and games that have enhanced our lives in countless ways, from improving productivity to providing entertainment and fostering creativity. As the world continues to evolve, it’s clear that these developers are leading the charge in shaping the future of technology.

The winners of the 2024 App Store Awards will be announced soon, but regardless of who takes home the top honors, each of these finalists has already made a significant impact. Whether you’re looking for new ways to stay connected, explore new worlds, or improve your daily routine, these apps and games are the perfect examples of the power of innovation.