Apple has revealed the 45 finalists for the 2024 App Store Awards, celebrating the most innovative and impactful apps and games of the year. These finalists are recognised for their creativity, design excellence, and the way they enhance user experience.
This year, the awards are presented across 12 different categories, showcasing developers who have pushed the limits of technology and creativity. The competition highlights apps that help people stay connected, improve their lives, and unlock new opportunities for creativity.
Among the most exciting changes this year is the addition of a new category, Apple Vision Pro. This category recognises outstanding achievements in spatial computing, a technology that blends digital and physical worlds, opening new possibilities for apps and games in augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality.
iPhone App of the Year Finalists
The iPhone App of the Year finalists feature a variety of apps designed to improve everyday life. For example, Kino offers users a way to turn ordinary moments into cinematic experiences, while Runna provides personalised running plans to help users achieve their fitness goals. Tripsy is another standout, organising travel plans and making travel more enjoyable and stress-free for users.
iPhone Game of the Year Finalists
The finalists for iPhone Game of the Year are focused on immersive storytelling and impressive visuals. Games like AFK Journey, The WereCleaner, and Zenless Zone Zero bring fantasy worlds, exciting gameplay, and action-packed stories right to players’ fingertips. These games are designed to captivate players with stunning graphics and engaging narratives.
iPad App of the Year Finalists
For iPad, the finalists are geared towards creativity and entertainment. Bluey: Let’s Play is a fun, family-friendly app, while Moises offers a tool for music lovers to practice and refine their skills. Procreate Dreams provides a platform for users to create animated stories, showcasing the iPad’s potential for digital art and animation.
Apple Arcade Game of the Year Finalists
Apple Arcade’s finalists offer unique and refreshed gaming experiences. Titles like Balatro+, Outlanders 2, and Sonic Dream Team are known for their inventive gameplay and immersive storytelling, providing players with new and exciting ways to enjoy games.
Apple Vision Pro App & Game Finalists
With the introduction of the Apple Vision Pro category, the finalists are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in spatial computing. JigSpace allows users to interact with immersive AR models, while Loóna creates relaxing, intuitive puzzles in a spatial computing environment. These apps and games are setting the stage for future breakthroughs in mixed reality.
Cultural Impact Category
In addition to the main categories, several apps were recognised for their cultural influence. Arco, BetterSleep, and Pinterest are among those noted for making a powerful impact on users’ lives, from improving well-being to inspiring creativity.
The 2024 App Store Awards highlight the incredible work being done by developers around the world, and this year’s competition is among the most exciting yet. Apple’s editors will announce the winners in the coming weeks, but the finalists have already set a high standard for innovation, design, and user experience.
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