Apple App Store: Apple has officially announced the winners of the 2025 App Store Awards, revealing 17 apps and games that stood out for their creativity, design, ease of use, and meaningful cultural impact. The winners were picked from a list of 45 finalists, each demonstrating how developers continue to bring fresh ideas, useful tools, and fun experiences to millions of users across Apple devices.
With apps touching everything from productivity and video editing to fitness, gaming, accessibility, and immersive virtual reality, Apple says this year’s winners truly highlight how far developers are pushing the boundaries on the App Store.
What Did Tim Cook Say?
Apple CEO Tim Cook praised the winning developers, saying that the awards reflect the incredible creativity and innovation seen on the App Store year after year. According to him, these apps and games show how a simple idea can evolve into something that genuinely makes people’s lives easier, more productive, or simply more enjoyable.
Cook explained, “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.”
Top Apps of 2025 Across Apple Devices
Apple highlighted standout apps from each of its major platforms — and many of the winners are tools that simplify everyday life.
iPhone App of the Year: Tiimo
Tiimo, a visual planning app, was crowned the best iPhone app of 2025. It uses clean design and smart AI features to help users break their goals into simple, manageable tasks. Whether it’s work deadlines, daily routines, or personal projects, Tiimo turns big plans into small, achievable steps.
iPad App of the Year: Detail
On iPad, the winner is Detail, an AI-powered video-editing app that makes professional-style editing accessible to everyone, from beginners to content creators. Users can easily edit videos using a touch-friendly, intuitive interface — making it ideal for students, influencers, and filmmakers alike.
Mac App of the Year: Essayist
For Mac users, Essayist took the top spot. It helps students and researchers format academic papers quickly and accurately, removing the usual stress that comes with citations, formatting rules, and academic guidelines.
Apple Vision Pro App of the Year: Explore POV
Apple Vision Pro users voted for Explore POV, which lets people travel to scenic destinations through immersive 3D video. From mountains to cityscapes, the app provides a breathtaking virtual travel experience that feels almost real.
Apple Watch App of the Year: Strava
On the Apple Watch, Strava earned the title with its clean interface and real-time activity tracking. It keeps users motivated by showing live stats, progress graphs, and community-driven challenges right on their wrist.
Apple TV App of the Year: HBO Max
For Apple TV, HBO Max was recognised for offering improved accessibility through American Sign Language (ASL) support. Combined with its vast entertainment library, it stood out as a smart, inclusive streaming choice for millions of viewers.
Top Games of 2025 Across Apple Devices
Alongside apps, Apple also celebrated the best games that made an impact this year.
iPhone Game of the Year: Pokémon TCG Pocket
This vibrant, mobile-friendly version of the Pokémon Trading Card Game won big on iPhone. With colourful artwork and simple card battles, it appeals to both long-time Pokémon fans and new players.
iPad Game of the Year: DREDGE
On iPad, DREDGE was selected for blending casual, cosy fishing gameplay with darker, mysterious storytelling. Its unique atmosphere and addictive exploration helped it stand out.
Mac Game of the Year: Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
The Mac award went to Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, praised for bringing its massive futuristic world to Apple computers with impressive performance and graphics.
Vision Pro Game of the Year: Porta Nubi
On Apple Vision Pro, Porta Nubi impressed with its immersive puzzles and beautiful environments. The game makes players feel like they’re physically stepping into its atmospheric world.
Apple Arcade Game of the Year: WHAT THE CLASH?
For Apple Arcade, the winner was WHAT THE CLASH?, a humorous and chaotic collection of mini-games that offers fun for players of all ages.
Six Apps Recognised for Cultural Impact
Apple also honoured six apps and games that made a positive contribution to society, whether through creativity, kindness, accessibility, or emotional storytelling.
- Art of Fauna – A calming puzzle game with animal illustrations, designed to be accessible for players of all abilities.
- Chants of Sennaar – A game exploring communication and language, highlighting how misunderstandings shape relationships.
- despelote – A deeply personal and emotional narrative about life in a nation undergoing big changes, tied together by a shared passion for football.
- Be My Eyes – Recognised for using AI and volunteers worldwide to help people who are blind or have low vision with everyday tasks.
- Focus Friend (by Hank Green) – Turns productivity into a fun game, helping users stay focused through rewards and friendly challenges.
- StoryGraph – Celebrated for promoting diverse reading habits and supporting an inclusive community for book lovers.
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