Apple has officially announced the winners of the 2025 App Store Awards, celebrating 17 exceptional apps and games recognized for their technical ingenuity and lasting cultural impact. The announcement follows the reveal of the finalists last month.
App Store Editors selected the winners for “demonstrating exceptional innovation, user experience, and design.”
“Every year, we’re inspired by the ways developers turn their best ideas into innovative experiences that enrich people’s lives,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “This year’s winners represent the creativity and excellence that define the App Store, and they demonstrate the meaningful impact that world-class apps and games have on people everywhere.”
App Category Winners
The following apps were recognized as the best for each of Apple’s major product categories:
| Category | Winner | Developer |
| iPhone App of the Year | Tiimo | tiimo |
| iPad App of the Year | Detail | Detail Technologies B.V. |
| Mac App of the Year | Essayist | Essayist Software Inc. |
| Apple Vision Pro App of the Year | Explore POV | James Hustler |
| Apple Watch App of the Year | Strava | Strava, Inc. |
| Apple TV App of the Year | HBO Max | WarnerMedia Global Digital Services, LLC. |
Game Category Winners
| Category | Winner | Developer |
| iPhone Game of the Year | Pokémon TCG Pocket | The Pokemon Company |
| iPad Game of the Year | DREDGE | Black Salt Games |
| Mac Game of the Year | Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition | CD PROJEKT S.A. |
| Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year | Porta Nubi | Michael Temper |
| Apple Arcade Game of the Year | WHAT THE CLASH? | Triband ApS |
✨ Cultural Impact Winners
In addition to the main category awards, Apple recognized six developers with the Cultural Impact award for their “ability to drive meaningful change” and “shaping a more inclusive world.”
“These apps and games were recognized for their positive impact, providing users with helpful tools, promoting understanding, and shaping a more inclusive world,” Apple stated.
- Art of Fauna (from Klemens Strasser): Turns wildlife illustration from around the world into relaxing puzzles and sets a new standard for accessible game design.
- Chants of Sennaar (from Playdigious): Celebrates the power of language through a thought-provoking adventure.
- despelote (from Panic, Inc.): Crafts an intimate slice-of-life story that shares a glimpse into a nation navigating tumult and uniting through their love for soccer.
- Be My Eyes (from Be My Eyes): Combines the power of AI and millions of global volunteers to help people who are blind or have low vision with everyday activities.
- Focus Friend by Hank Green (from B-Tech Consulting Group LLC): Acts as a powerful ally against digital distractions by gamifying focus sessions with satisfying prizes.
- StoryGraph (from The StoryGraph): Creates an inclusive space for the book community rooted in authenticity through discovery elements that help elevate diverse authors.
Pretty awesome if you ask us!
