For more than 10 years now, the App Store’s Editorial team has celebrated the best apps and games of the year through the App Store Awards – spotlighting a diverse range of developers from the individual app creator pool, to larger teams across the globe. In 2023, nearly 40 app and game developers who have been delivering exceptional user experiences and making a profound cultural impact are in the coveted list of App Store Award finalists.
iPhone App of the Year Finalists
Finalists in this category have helped users discover more ways to explore the endless possibilities available and adopt new skills:
AllTrails: For helping the world find their way in the great outdoors
Duolingo: For making language learning fun and accessible to the masses
Flighty: For keeping travellers on time and have a hassle-free experience at the airport
iPhone Game of the Year Finalists
Finalists in this category have opened up new avenues of adventures with stunning graphics to the masses, on iPhone:
Afterplace: For creating a retro role-playing game experience with intuitive controls
Honkai: Star Rail: For building a space fantasy adventure with exceptional cinematic animation
Vampire Survivors: For inspiring a new rougue-like action genre
iPad App of the Year Finalists
Finalists in this category have consistently helped users leverage their creativity through multiple outlets:
Concepts: For creating a set of innovative tools and dynamic colour palettes
DaVinci Resolve: For creating a more accessible and portable video editing experience
Prêt-à-Makeup: For inspiring makeup designs for all beauty enthusiasts
iPad Game of the Year Finalists
Finalists in this category have found a myriad of ways to enchant gamers with visual storytelling, intuitive controls, and absurd obstacles:
Eggy Party: For crafting whimsical experiences for users
Lost in Play: For delivering charming visuals and gameplay for all ages
Pocket City 2: For allowing players to build from their imagination
Mac App of the Year Finalists
Finalists in this category have inspired incredible focus and creativity for users:
Linearity Curve: For crafting truly innovative design tools for pros and aspiring designers
Photomator: For making the entire photo editing workflow faster and simpler
Portal: For immersing users in lush landscapes and spatial audio
Mac Game of the Year Finalists
Finalists in this category have managed to deliver extremely rich narratives and graphics:
ELEX II: For transporting players to a dynamic Science Fantasy world
Lies of P: For delivering smooth gameplay with an alternative twist on a classic tale
Return to Monkey Island: For building on its iconic point-and-click adventure
Apple Watch App of the Year Finalists
Finalists in this category have made it even easier to get all the information users need, right from their wrist:
Planny: For intelligently helping users stay on top of tasks
SmartGym: For creating smart and targeted workouts at any skill level
Tide Guide: For offering water enthusiasts real-time marine conditions
Apple TV App of the Year Finalists
Finalists in this category have brought stunning experiences to screens at home:
Bugsnax: For capturing mystery and charm through its gameplay
FitOn: For offering a huge range of workout experiences with popular trainers and celebrities
MUBI: For bringing quality cinema experiences to users at home
Apple Arcade Game of the Year Finalists
Finalists in this category have delivered endless entertainment in 2023:
Cityscapes: For inspiring players with a sustainable and purposeful twist
Hello Kitty Island Adventure: For taking players on a grand adventure with popular Sanrio characters
stitch.: For bringing the meditative art of embroidery to the masses
Cultural Impact Finalists
Finalists in this category fostered new ways to connect and celebrate the world’s diversity and wonder through powerful missions:
balance: For making menopause support more inclusive and accessible to all
Copilot: For simplifying personal finance
Endling: For inspiring players to focus on environmental impact
Finding Hannah: For connecting women across generations through gameplay
How to Say Goodbye: For helping users process difficult emotions
Pok Pok: For helping kids learn, explore, and experiment in a digital playroom
Proloquo: For supporting communication without speech
Rebel Girls: For turning bedtime stories into a discovery of heroic women throughout time
Too Good To Go: For helping to reduce food waste at restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets
Unpacking: For crafting soul-soothing puzzles
Check out these apps for yourselves, and hopefully, you’d find some new apps you’ve never explored before and enjoy them!
