​​​​​​​Apple App Store Awards 2025: Top Apps and Games Finalists Announced

127
21 Nov 2025
min read

News Synopsis

Apple has revealed the finalists for the 2025 App Store Awards, featuring 45 top apps and games across multiple categories. Popular names like BandLab, HBO Max, Detail, and Capybara Go are leading the race, with selections based on design, innovation, and user experience across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. Winners will be announced in the coming weeks.

Apple confirmed 45 Finalists Across 12 Categories

Apple confirmed in a Newsroom post that this year’s App Store Awards include 45 finalists spanning 12 categories. These apps and games were chosen based on innovation, design, performance, and cultural impact. The finalists represent platforms including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. According to Apple, these developers provide users worldwide with exceptional creativity and technology experiences.

iPhone, iPad, and Mac Categories

iPhone App of the Year finalists include:

  • BandLab – highly popular for music creation

  • LADDER

  • Tiimo

iPhone Game of the Year finalists include:

  • Capybara Go!

  • Pokémon TCG Pocket

  • Thronefall

iPad App of the Year finalists include:

  • Detail

  • Graintouch

  • Structured

iPad Game of the Year finalists include:

  • DREDGE

  • Infinity Nikki

  • Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Mac Game of the Year finalists include:

  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows

  • Cyberpunk 2077

  • Neva

Apple Vision Pro, Apple Watch, and Apple TV Finalists

Apple Vision Pro App of the Year finalists:

  • Camo Studio

  • D-Day

  • Explore POV

Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year finalists:

  • Fishing Haven

  • Gears & Goo

  • Porta Nubi

Apple Watch App of the Year finalists:

  • GO Club

  • Pro Camera by Moment

  • Strava

Apple TV App of the Year finalists:

  • HBO Max

  • PBS Kids Video

  • Super Farming Boy 4K

These selections highlight strong performers in streaming, fitness, family, and productivity content across Apple’s ecosystem.

Cultural Impact Category Highlights

Apple also recognized apps and games that make a positive social and cultural impact. 12 finalists were selected for this category, including:

  • Art of Fauna

  • Be My Eyes

  • A Space for the Unbound

  • Chants of Sennaar

  • despelote

  • Focus Friend

  • Retro

  • StoryGraph

  • Venba

  • Whoscall

  • Yuka

Apple noted that these apps inspire users worldwide through creative, innovative, and meaningful experiences.

Conclusion

The 2025 App Store Awards finalists demonstrate Apple’s focus on innovation, design excellence, and cultural relevance. With apps spanning music, gaming, streaming, fitness, and accessibility, the upcoming winners are set to highlight the best of technology and user experience across Apple devices.

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