Apple Releases Its Picks for the Best Apps of 2024

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Every year, the App Store team takes on the exciting challenge of picking the most exceptional apps and games to celebrate with their App Store Awards.

This year, Apple has recognized 17 incredible apps and games that made a big impact from a list of 45 finalists. From innovative tools that help creators and learners to games that bring pure fun, these winners showcase what’s possible when creativity and technology come together.

Whether you’re looking for your next favorite app or just curious about what’s trending in the world of digital experiences, here’s a breakdown of 2024’s App Store Award winners, handpicked by Apple’s editors.

What Makes These Apps Special?

The 2024 winners represent a wide range of experiences, from empowering creativity and productivity to delivering fun and relaxation. Here are just a few standouts:

Kino turns your everyday moments into cinematic memories with gorgeous film-inspired filters.

Moises is a game-changer for musicians, offering AI-powered tools to practice, remix, and perfect their craft.

Lightroom on Mac takes photo editing to the next level with precise, professional-grade tools.

Lumy makes it easy to align your day with the sun’s patterns, helping you find small moments of magic.

F1 TV delivers a full-throttle Formula 1 viewing experience right from your Apple TV.

Mac App of the Year: Adobe Lightroom, from Adobe Inc.

For Gamers, 2024 Was a Stellar Year

Gaming also had its moment in the spotlight. Here are the games that captured hearts (and lots of screen time):

AFK Journey brings tactical battles and immersive storytelling to iPhone.

Squad Busters is perfect for iPad gamers who love fast-paced, multiplayer action.

Thank Goodness You’re Here! made Mac users laugh with its quirky humor and fun skits.

THRASHER: Arcade Odyssey blew minds with its colorful, cosmic worlds, earning the title of Vision Pro Game of the Year.

Balatro+ reinvented card games on Apple Arcade, delivering fresh twists with every hand.

Mac Game of the Year: Thank Goodness You’re Here!, from Panic, Inc.

New Frontiers in Spatial Computing

This year, Apple introduced a brand-new category for Apple Vision Pro apps and games, celebrating the future of spatial computing. The winners showed off the potential of this groundbreaking technology:

What If…? An Immersive Story takes you on a mind-bending journey through the Marvel Universe.

THRASHER: Arcade Odyssey pairs stunning visuals with fun gameplay, creating a truly immersive experience.

Cultural Impact: Apps That Made a Difference

In addition to celebrating the best in design and functionality, Apple also recognized apps that made a meaningful cultural impact. These winners tackled real-world challenges, inspired curiosity, and brought people together:

Oko helps visually impaired users navigate city streets with confidence.

EF Hello supports language learners with AI-powered lessons for all skill levels.

DailyArt connects users to timeless art pieces, sparking curiosity and wonder.

NYT Games is a daily ritual for many, offering puzzles and games that bring friends and families together.

The Wreck tells a deeply emotional story, using interactive narratives to explore life’s challenges.

Do You Really Want to Know 2 provides critical education and resources for navigating life with HIV.

NYT Games from The New York Times Company

Why It Matters

The App Store Awards are more than just a celebration of great apps—they’re a reflection of how technology shapes our lives, communities, and even culture.

From solo developers to massive teams, these creators remind us how powerful and creative the digital world can be.

So, if you’re looking for something new to inspire, entertain, or connect you with others, these apps and games are a great place to start. Happy exploring!