Apple celebrated 17 apps and games that have achieved significant success in technical engineering and cultural impact, announcing the winners of the annual App Store Awards for 2025.
App Store editors selected winners from among 45 finalists, using criteria of innovation, design, and user experience. A distinctive feature of this year’s laureates was the use of artificial intelligence to enhance user functionality. For example, Tiimo was recognized as the best iPhone app due to visual planning and integrating AI into the workflow. On iPad, the winner was Detail, a tool that facilitates the video production process for content creators, while on Mac, Essayist was highlighted for using AI to format academic works.
Among other winners are Strava for Apple Watch for elegant design and segment tracking feature, as well as HBO Max for Apple TV for expanding inclusivity capabilities, including American Sign Language options.
In the games category, leaders were also identified. Pokémon TCG Pocket became the game of the year for iPhone, while DREDGE was recognized on iPad for creating a cozy eerie adventure. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition won on Mac for its breathtaking futuristic world, and the arcade hit WHAT THE CLASH? is famed for its continuous fun chaos.
Special attention was given to apps in the “Cultural Impact” category, which enrich society with inclusivity and understanding. Among them are Be My Eyes, which integrates volunteers and AI to assist people with visual impairments, and StoryGraph, which creates an inclusive space for the book community. Focus Friend received recognition for gamifying the battle against digital distractions, and Art of Fauna for new standards in accessible game design.
| Category | Winner | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | Tiimo | Visual planning with AI |
| iPad | Detail | Simplifying video production |
| Mac | Essayist | Formatting academic works |
| Apple Watch | Strava | Segment tracking, design |
| Apple TV | HBO Max | American Sign Language options |
