Apple has unveiled the list of finalists for the App Store Awards 2025, featuring 45 standout apps and games across multiple categories. Popular names like BandLab, HBO Max, Detail, and Capybara Go have secured spots among the top contenders. These finalists span Apple’s entire ecosystem, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. The final winners will be announced by Apple in the coming weeks.
45 finalists selected across 12 categories
In its Newsroom post, Apple confirmed that 45 apps and games were shortlisted this year across 12 award categories. Each finalist was evaluated on innovation, design quality, technical performance, and cultural relevance. Apple noted that these developers represent the highest level of creativity and technological excellence for users worldwide.
iPhone, iPad, and Mac: Top contenders
For the iPhone App of the Year, BandLab, LADDER, and Tiimo emerged as finalists, while Capybara Go!, Pokémon TCG Pocket, and Thronefall were shortlisted for iPhone Game of the Year.
In the iPad categories, Detail, Graintouch, and Structured are finalists for App of the Year. DREDGE, Infinity Nikki, and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown lead the iPad Game of the Year category.
On Mac, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Cyberpunk 2077, and Neva were selected for Mac Game of the Year.
Apple Vision Pro, Apple Watch, and Apple TV finalists
For Apple Vision Pro, Camo Studio, D-Day, and Explore POV are competing for App of the Year. Fishing Haven, Gears & Goo, and Porta Nubi are finalists for Vision Pro Game of the Year.
The Apple Watch App of the Year finalists include GO Club, Pro Camera by Moment, and Strava.
In the Apple TV category, HBO Max, PBS Kids Video, and Super Farming Boy 4K have made it to the final list, representing strong entries in entertainment and family-friendly content.
Powerful entries in Cultural Impact category
Apple also announced 12 finalists under the Cultural Impact category—apps and games that deliver meaningful societal or cultural contributions. This list includes Art of Fauna, Be My Eyes, A Space for the Unbound, Chants of Sennaar, despelote, Focus Friend, Retro, StoryGraph, Venba, Whoscall, and Yuka. Apple says these titles motivate users through creativity, innovation, and impactful storytelling.
