Apple announces finalists for the 2025 App Store Awards

Apple today announced 45 finalists for this year’s App Store Awards, recognising 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.

Each year, the App Store Awards celebrate developers from around the world whose apps are improving people’s lives, and exemplify the very best in technical innovation, user experience, and design. In the coming weeks, App Store Award winners will be announced, selected from this year’s distinguished group of finalists.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the App Store Award finalists, a diverse and talented group of developers from around the globe,” said Carson Oliver, Apple’s head of App Store Worldwide. “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.”

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 loveable critter.
Pokémon TCG Pocket, for making collecting and playing legendary Pokémon cards even better.
Thronefall, for combining thrilling defence 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 visualising 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 organised 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.