Apple has unveiled its prestigious 2024 App Store Award winners, highlighting the most innovative and user-friendly apps and games across its various platforms. This year’s selection, meticulously curated by Apple’s team of expert app testers, comprises 17 exceptional apps and games that exemplify the highest standards of design, innovation, and user experience. These awards celebrate the developers who leverage Apple’s technology to create enriching experiences that impact users’ lives and communities. The awards also underscore the vast potential of app development in shaping how we interact with technology and the world around us. This year’s awards included a new category for Apple Vision Pro, recognizing the burgeoning potential of spatial computing.
Leading the pack as the iPhone App of the Year is Kino, a cutting-edge camera app developed by Lux Optics, the creators of the popular Halide photography app. Kino empowers users to capture cinematic-quality footage with professional-grade color grading and toning tools, making high-quality video production accessible to everyone. This recognition solidifies Kino’s position as a must-have app for aspiring filmmakers and anyone seeking to elevate their video content. Meanwhile, AFK Journey, a free-to-play fantasy RPG with an engaging idle gameplay mechanic, clinched the iPhone Game of the Year title. The game’s ability to progress even when offline provides a unique and convenient gaming experience, appealing to a broad audience of RPG enthusiasts.
Expanding beyond the iPhone, Apple recognized excellence across its ecosystem. Moises, an innovative music app, was crowned iPad App of the Year. Adobe Lightroom, the industry-standard photo editing software, secured the Mac App of the Year award. For the groundbreaking Apple Vision Pro headset, Disney’s “What If…? An Immersive Story” earned the App of the Year accolade, showcasing the immersive potential of spatial computing. Lumy, a comprehensive sunlight tracker, took home the Apple Watch App of the Year award, while F1 TV, providing live and on-demand Formula 1 coverage, was named Apple TV App of the Year.
In the gaming arena, Squad Busters emerged as the iPad Game of the Year, while the quirky and humorous Thank Goodness You’re Here! claimed the Mac Game of the Year title. THRASHER: Arcade Odyssey earned the Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year award, further highlighting the gaming capabilities of Apple’s spatial computing headset. Finally, Balatro+, the enhanced version of the popular card game Balatro, was recognized as the Apple Arcade Game of the Year. These diverse selections reflect the breadth and depth of the App Store’s offerings, catering to a wide range of interests and preferences.
Beyond recognizing technical excellence, Apple also honored six apps and games in the Cultural Impact category. These winners, including Oko, Hello, DailyArt, NYT Games, The Wreck, and Do You Really Want to Know? 2, were chosen for their positive influence on users’ lives and communities, promoting intellectual curiosity, fostering connections, and championing accessibility. This emphasis on cultural impact demonstrates Apple’s commitment to recognizing apps that contribute meaningfully to society. These apps tackle a variety of topics, from environmental sustainability to communication accessibility, highlighting the power of technology to address important social issues.
Comparing the 2024 winners with the previous year’s reveals an interesting shift in focus. While 2023 saw awards given to apps like AllTrails for hiking and MUBI for film streaming, 2024 leaned towards creative tools like Kino and Moises, as well as immersive experiences for the Apple Vision Pro. This evolution reflects the changing landscape of app development and the increasing focus on user-generated content and immersive technologies. It also highlights Apple’s continued effort to showcase apps that push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. The awards serve as a barometer for the latest trends in app development and provide valuable insights into the future direction of the industry.
It’s important to note that the App Store Awards aren’t simply a popularity contest. These awards are not based on download numbers or revenue generated, but rather on the considered judgment of Apple’s App Store editors. They represent a curated selection highlighting apps that exemplify quality, innovation, and positive impact, rather than simply reflecting market trends. This curated approach ensures that the awards spotlight apps that may not have achieved mainstream popularity but nevertheless deserve recognition for their unique contributions. The awards serve as a valuable resource for users seeking high-quality apps and provide a platform for developers to showcase their creativity and ingenuity.
