Apple has announced the winners of the 2024 App Store Awards, spotlighting 17 apps and games that have pushed the boundaries of creativity, user experience, and cultural relevance. This year’s winners showcase the potential of technology to inspire and enrich lives, whether by fostering connections, enhancing creativity, or offering new ways to experience the world.
Honoring Innovation Across Devices
The awards this year spanned a variety of Apple platforms, from iPhone and iPad to the groundbreaking Apple Vision Pro. Apps like Kino and Moises stood out for their ability to blend advanced functionality with accessibility, enabling users to create cinematic visuals or hone their musical talents. Meanwhile, games like AFK Journey and THRASHER: Arcade Odyssey offered immersive storytelling and innovative gameplay, captivating audiences of all ages.
The Debut of Apple Vision Pro Awards
A notable addition to the 2024 awards was the introduction of the Apple Vision Pro category, celebrating apps and games that utilize spatial computing. What If…? An Immersive Story, inspired by the Marvel Universe, transported users to a realm of limitless possibilities, while THRASHER: Arcade Odyssey immersed players in vibrant, otherworldly landscapes. These winners highlight the transformative potential of Apple Vision Pro’s immersive technology.
Cultural Impact: Beyond Entertainment
In addition to recognizing technical excellence, Apple honored six apps and games for their cultural impact. These selections emphasized contributions to accessibility, education, and social awareness. For instance, Oko empowers visually impaired users to navigate city streets confidently, while Do You Really Want to Know? 2 fosters meaningful conversations around living with HIV. Such apps demonstrate the App Store’s role in championing positive change in communities worldwide.
Comprehensive List of Winners
| Category | App Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone App of the Year | Kino | Offers film-inspired filters and advanced controls for cinematic visuals. |
| iPad App of the Year | Moises | Provides powerful AI tools for musicians to practice and refine their craft. |
| Mac App of the Year | Adobe Lightroom | Delivers transformative photo editing capabilities for professionals and hobbyists. |
| Apple Vision Pro | What If…? An Immersive Story | Explores the Marvel Universe with groundbreaking spatial computing. |
| THRASHER: Arcade Odyssey | Transports players to colorful, cosmic worlds with immersive gameplay. | |
| Apple Watch App of the Year | Lumy | Helps users align daily activities with sunlight patterns for mindfulness. |
| Apple TV App of the Year | F1 TV | Brings immersive race-viewing experiences to fans at home. |
| iPhone Game of the Year | AFK Journey | Combines tactical adventures with rich storytelling. |
| iPad Game of the Year | Squad Busters | Delivers exciting multiplayer gameplay with feel-good competition. |
| Mac Game of the Year | Thank Goodness You’re Here! | Features silly skits and nonstop laughter for players. |
| Apple Arcade Game of the Year | Balatro+ | Reinvents traditional card games with innovative mechanics. |
| Cultural Impact | Oko | Assists visually impaired users in navigating city streets with ease. |
| EF Hello | AI-powered language learning app for users of all levels. | |
| DailyArt | Connects users to exceptional artwork across centuries and movements. | |
| NYT Games | Offers fun, daily games that connect family and friends. | |
| The Wreck | Explores inner struggles through cinematic storytelling. | |
| Do You Really Want to Know? 2 | Provides resources and education on living with HIV. |
This year’s winners reflect the diversity and ingenuity of developers leveraging Apple’s ecosystem. From solo creators to large teams, these apps and games underscore how technology can inspire creativity, address societal challenges, and transform everyday experiences.
