Apple has just announced the winners of the 2025 App Store Awards, and the results are nothing short of impressive. From an initial pool of 45 finalists, Apple selected 17 standout apps and games that showcased innovation, utility, and immersive experiences. The winners include notable apps like Essayist, Strava, and HBO Max, with a game crown going to Cyberpunk 2077 among others. In addition, six apps were recognized for their cultural impact, chosen from 12 finalists for their potential to drive meaningful social change.
Apple’s leadership highlighted that this year’s winning developers delivered experiences that empower users to achieve more, turn ideas into reality, and dive into breathtaking worlds. Tim Cook emphasized that the creativity and excellence of these winners embody the App Store’s spirit and its ability to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Winners for apps:
- iPhone App of the Year: Tiimo, by tiimo
- iPad App of the Year: Detail, by Detail Technologies B.V
- Mac App of the Year: Essayist, by Essayist Software Inc
- Apple Vision Pro App of the Year: Explore POV, by James Hustler
- Apple Watch App of the Year: Strava, by Strava, Inc
- Apple TV App of the Year: HBO Max, by Warner Media Global Digital Services, LLC
Winners for games:
- iPhone Game of the Year: Pokémon TCG Pocket, by The Pokemon Company
- iPad Game of the Year: DREDGE, by Black Salt Games
- Mac Game of the Year: Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, by CD PROJEKT S.A
- Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year: Porta Nubi, by Michael Temper
- Apple Arcade Game of the Year: WHAT THE CLASH?, by Triband ApS
Cultural Impact winners (six of twelve nominees): these selections celebrate apps that drive positive change, provide useful tools, enhance understanding, and foster a more inclusive world:
- Art of Fauna, by Klemens Strassler – turns wildlife art from across the globe into relaxing puzzles and sets a new standard for accessible game design
- Chants of Sennar, by Playdigious – celebrates linguistic diversity through a thought-provoking adventure
- Despelote, by Panic, Inc. – crafts a personal slice-of-life story illustrating a country navigating upheaval while uniting through soccer
- Be My Eyes, by Be My Eyes – combines AI and a vast network of volunteers to assist people who are blind or have low vision in daily tasks
- Focus Friend, by Hank Green (B-Tech Consulting Group LLC) – gamifies focus sessions to help users combat digital distractions
- StoryGraph, by The StoryGraph – builds an inclusive space for book lovers, emphasizing authentic discovery and elevating diverse authors
Upcoming news: Apple Arcade is expanding with a sequel to one of its biggest hits, signaling ongoing growth across Apple’s services.
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