Top 45 app and game finalists announced

On By Pranco

Top 45 app and game finalists announced

Apple on Monday announced 45 finalists for the 2024 App Store Awards in 12 categories. These apps and games have empowered users by improving creativity, productivity, and social connections.

This year, a new category for Apple Vision Pro apps was introduced to celebrate advances in spatial computing. The annual awards celebrate innovation, user experience and design excellence from developers worldwide.

iPhone App of the Year Finalists

These apps provided innovative tools to take everyday experiences to the next level:

  • Kino: Transformed ordinary moments into cinematic masterpieces.
  • Runna: provided personalized training plans for runners of all levels.
  • Tripsy: Simplified travel planning to reduce stress and stay organized.
Finalists for iPhone Game of the Year

These games captivated players with compelling stories and stunning visuals:

  • AFK Journey: Built fantastic worlds with exciting battles.
  • The WereCleaner: Humorous and inventive gameplay offered.
  • Zenless Zone Zero: Immerse players in action-driven stories.
iPad App of the Year Finalists

These apps inspired creativity and interactive play:

  • Bluey: Let’s Play: Family-friendly fun with beloved characters.
  • Moises: Improved music practice using AI-powered tools.
  • Procreate Dreams: Allows users to create animated stories.
iPad Game of the Year Finalists

These games showcased dynamic stories and immersive worlds:

  • Assassin’s Creed Mirage: Delivered a story-driven adventure.
  • Disney Speedstorm: Offers players exciting, fast-paced racing.
  • Squad Busters: Combined competitive and playful gameplay.
Apple Arcade Game of the Year Finalists

These titles redefined classics and delivered compelling stories:

  • Balatro+: Introducing a unique and fascinating card game.
  • Outlanders 2: Captivates players with updated visuals and levels.
  • Sonic Dream Team: Expanding classic characters with new adventures.
Finalists for Mac App of the Year

These tools increased productivity and creativity:

  • Adobe Lightroom: Simplified photo editing with AI-driven improvements.
  • OmniFocus 4: Streamlined task management for better productivity.
  • Shapr3D: Transformed Workflows in 3D Design.
Finalists for Mac Game of the Year

These games offered distinctive stories and engaging gameplay:

  • Frostpunk 2: Taking the city building genre to the next level.
  • Stray: Combined mystery and playfulness in a dark setting.
  • Luckily you’re here!: non-stop humor and absurdity.
Finalists for Apple Watch App of the Year

These apps brought convenience and efficiency to users’ wrists:

  • LookUp: Improved vocabulary through daily definitions.
  • Lumy: synchronized users with natural rhythms of the sun and moon.
  • Watch 5K: Motivated Runners to Reach Their Goals.
Finalists for Apple Vision Pro App of the Year

These apps have taken spatial computing to new heights:

  • JigSpace: simplified representation of 3D and AR models.
  • NBA: Revolutionized the way users watch sports.
  • What if…? A compelling story: Offered a new type of Marvel experience.
Finalists of Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year

These games impressed with vibrant visuals and intuitive gameplay:

  • Loóna: Offers relaxing puzzles to unwind.
  • THRASHER: Delivered enchanting alien worlds with smooth controls.
  • Vacation Simulator: Playful, quirky destinations to explore.
Finalists for Apple TV App of the Year

These apps provided compelling home entertainment experiences:

  • DROPOUT: brought endless comedy and entertainment.
  • F1 TV: Immerse fans in the racing action.
  • Zoom: Renewed group communication on the big screen.
Finalists for Cultural Impact

These apps and games created meaningful connections and awareness:

  • Arco: Players could create their own story.
  • The Bear: Made bedtime an interactive, soothing experience.
  • BetterSleep: helped users improve their sleep habits.
  • Brawl Stars: Offers fast-paced bursts of action-packed gameplay.
  • DailyArt: Inspired curiosity about art history.
  • Do you really want to know? 2: Addressing misconceptions about HIV with interactive stories.
  • EF Hello: Empowered language learners with AI-enhanced features.
  • NYT Games: puzzle lovers brought together with daily challenges.
  • Oko: Improved accessibility and safety for crossings.
  • Partiful: Simplified social event planning.
  • Pinterest: stimulates creativity with endless ideas.
  • The Wreck: Told an intimate story with cinematic gameplay.
Winner announcement

The winners of the 2024 App Store Awards will be announced in the coming weeks.

Speaking about the announcement, Carson Oliver, head of Apple’s Worldwide App Store, said: said,

We’re excited to celebrate this year’s App Store Award finalists, whose creativity and dedication have resulted in incredible apps that users love. From games that transport players to extraordinary new worlds to apps that inspire creativity, these developers deliver experiences that both captivate and inspire.