The digital landscape buzzed with anticipation as Apple unveiled the coveted winners of the 2024 App Store Awards, a prestigious recognition that spotlights the ingenuity and impact of mobile applications. This year, 17 exceptional apps and games emerged as champions, each a testament to the power of technology to enhance the human experience.
These weren’t simply tools or entertainment; they were carefully crafted digital spaces designed to ignite creativity, empower users to achieve personal goals and deepen connections with loved ones in the tapestry of daily life. The chosen applications spanned a diverse range of categories, reflecting the breadth of human needs and aspirations, from fostering artistic expression to facilitating collaborative endeavors and providing immersive entertainment.
The developers behind these winning creations hailed from all corners of the globe, a blend of solo visionaries and large multinational teams, united by a shared passion for innovation and a dedication to user-centric design. This year’s cohort was carefully selected from a pool of 45 finalists, each demonstrating exceptional merit, by Apple’s App Store Editors, who rigorously evaluated applications for their user experience, design elegance, and ground-breaking innovation.
In a statement expressing Apple’s admiration, CEO Tim Cook highlighted that these remarkable winners were not merely creating software, they were harnessing the potent capabilities of Apple’s ecosystem to craft transformative experiences that meaningfully enriched the lives of their users and profoundly impacted culture worldwide.
He further underscored that the exceptional achievements of the 2024 award recipients underscored the phenomenal potential unleashed when creative individuals leverage the power of apps. This year’s awards were not just a celebration of technological prowess, but a tribute to the human spirit of innovation and its ability to connect, inspire, and empower.
This year’s App Store Award winners showcase the incredible breadth and innovation within the Apple ecosystem. From Kino’s cinematic filters and Moises’s AI-powered music tools on iPad to Lightroom’s transformative photo editing capabilities on Mac, apps are pushing creative boundaries. Lumy on Apple Watch helps users connect with nature’s rhythms, while F1 TV brings the thrill of the racetrack home.
The gaming landscape also saw remarkable achievements: AFK Journey delivering gripping adventures, Squad Busters providing lighthearted multiplayer fun, and Thank Goodness You’re Here! offering zany comedic sketches, while Balatro+ reimagines card games on Apple Arcade. A new spatial computing era was celebrated with Apple Vision Pro awards going to What If…? An Immersive Story, which throws users into limitless Marvel possibilities, and THRASHER: Arcade Odyssey, which transports players to vibrant cosmic worlds. These winning apps and games exemplify the boundless opportunities across the App Store.
App Store Award Winners 2024
Apps
iPhone App of the Year: Kino, from Lux Optics Inc.
iPad App of the Year: Moises, from Moises Systems Inc.
Mac App of the Year: Adobe Lightroom, from Adobe Inc.
Apple Vision Pro App of the Year: What If…? An Immersive Story, from Marvel Studios, ILM Immersive, and Disney+.
Apple Watch App of the Year: Lumy, from Raja V.
Apple TV App of the Year: F1 TV, from Formula One Digital Media Limited.
Games
iPhone Game of the Year: AFK Journey, from Farlight Games.
iPad Game of the Year: Squad Busters, from Supercell.
Mac Game of the Year: Thank Goodness You’re Here!, from Panic, Inc.
Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year: THRASHER: Arcade Odyssey, from Puddle, LLC.
Apple Arcade Game of the Year: Balatro+, from Playstack Ltd.
Cultural Impact Winners
Beyond the traditional categories, the 2024 App Store Awards also spotlighted six exceptional titles as “Cultural Impact Winners,” recognizing the profound and lasting influence these apps and games have had on users and communities. These weren’t just about entertainment or utility; they were about empowerment, connection, and progress. This year’s honorees enabled users to explore their intellectual curiosity, nurtured stronger bonds between family and friends, and championed a world that is more accessible to all.
Oko from AYES BV
Among these impactful winners is Oko from AYES BV, an innovative and elegantly simple app that provides vital navigation assistance to individuals who are blind or have low vision, allowing them to navigate city streets with newfound confidence and independence. These Cultural Impact awards underscore the power of apps to not just simplify our lives, but to fundamentally enrich them and address critical societal needs.
EF Hello from Signum International AG
Signum International AG proudly presents EF Hello, a revolutionary language learning app powered by cutting-edge AI. This innovative platform transcends traditional methods by integrating a systematic learning approach, meticulously designed to support learners of all levels.
From beginner to advanced, EF Hello empowers users to not only enhance their communication skills but also to deeply engage with the world around them, fostering confident and fluent interaction in any language.
DailyArt from Zuzanna Stanska
DailyArt, crafted by Zuzanna Stanska, transcends the typical art app, offering a daily dose of inspiration and knowledge. It acts as a portal, connecting users to a vast and captivating world of artistic expression that spans centuries and diverse movements.
More than just a visual showcase, DailyArt delves into the stories and context behind each artwork, sparking intellectual curiosity and fostering a deeper appreciation for the creative process. It’s a digital gallery that fits in your pocket, designed not just to present art, but to cultivate a sense of wonder and understanding in its users, making art accessible and engaging for everyone.
NYT Games from The New York Times Company
NYT Games from The New York Times Company has become a go-to destination for those seeking a fun and enriching start to the day. This daily ritual, which features a variety of simple and engaging games, offers more than just entertainment; it connects family and friends across generations, fostering shared experiences and lighthearted competition. Dive into a world of puzzles, word challenges, and number games, and discover the joy of starting your day with a dose of friendly, mentally stimulating fun.
The Wreck from The Pixel Hunt
“The Wreck,” from The Pixel Hunt, is a powerful and evocative experience that transcends typical gaming. It delves into the complex inner world of a mind grappling with a crisis, offering players an intimate and often challenging journey. Through a blend of striking cinematic scenes and an engaging interactive narrative, the game masterfully portrays the emotional turmoil and mental battles that arise in moments of intense stress.
It’s a deeply personal exploration of vulnerability and resilience, where every choice and interaction shapes the unfolding story, forcing players to confront the uncomfortable truths of the human psyche. “The Wreck” isn’t just a game; it’s a poignant exploration of the mind, presented with compelling artistry and narrative depth.
Do You Really Want to Know 2 from Gamtropy Co., Ltd.
“Do You Really Want to Know 2,” developed by Gamtropy Co., Ltd., is more than just an app; it’s a vital resource designed to empower individuals living with HIV. This thoughtfully crafted platform goes beyond basic information, delving into the complex nuances of navigating life with the virus. It provides users with access to localized resources, ensuring they can connect with support systems and services within their communities.
Furthermore, “Do You Want to Know 2” excels in its commitment to education, offering a wealth of materials specifically geared towards facilitating open and honest conversations with loved ones, breaking down stigma, and fostering understanding. This app serves as both a personal guide and a catalyst for broader social awareness, making it an invaluable tool for those affected by HIV.
