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PRESS RELEASE 04 December 2025

Apple unveils the winners of the 2025 App Store Awards

Apple honors 17 standout developers for creating the best apps and games of 2025
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced the winners of the 2025 App Store Awards, recognizing 17 apps and games for their technical ingenuity and lasting cultural impact. This year’s talented group of winning developers delivered remarkable experiences that empowered users to achieve more, bring their ideas to life, and immerse themselves in stunning worlds. The winning apps and games were hand-selected by App Store editors from a list of 45 finalists 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.”
The App Store remains the best place for users to discover and download apps and games, and this year’s winners showcase the endless possibilities available across Apple’s ecosystem. Tiimo offers users an impressive visual planner and thoughtfully implemented AI that turns aspirations into actionable next steps. Detail’s AI editing tools democratize the video production process for both aspiring and seasoned creators on iPad, and Essayist tackles the time-consuming work of formatting academic papers on Mac, powered by AI tools. Explore POV on Apple Vision Pro whisks users to the most stunning locations around the world — all in breathtaking Apple Immersive Video. Strava excels on Apple Watch, connecting a community of athletes with a sleek design and real-time segment tracking. HBO Max offers a more inclusive streaming experience with American Sign Language additions and an expansive entertainment lineup.
In the gaming category, Pokémon TCG Pocket’s amazing artwork, thrilling battles, and iPhone-friendly interface are a remarkably fun evolution of Pokémon card battles. As creepy as it is cozy, DREDGE immerses iPad users in a charming fishing game with a haunting mystery. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition stuns with its futuristic sci-fi metropolis, and WHAT THE CLASH? delivers nonstop laughter with silly, never-before-seen competitions. On Apple Vision Pro, Porta Nubi transforms Environments so players truly feel like they are a part of its atmospheric puzzles.

Apps

iPhone App of the Year

Tiimo, from tiimo.
A screenshot taken on an iPhone 17 Pro that shows a user requesting Tiimo to adjust their day and move their tasks to tomorrow.

iPad App of the Year

Detail, from Detail Technologies B.V.
A screenshot taken on an iPad Pro 13-inch of a user editing a video clip on Detail.

Mac App of the Year

Essayist, from Essayist Software Inc.
A screenshot taken on a MacBook Pro M5 14-inch that shows a user editing an essay with Essayist.

Apple Vision Pro App of the Year

Explore POV, from James Hustler.
A still taken on Apple Vision Pro of an Explore POV vista that shows a wooden boardwalk extending over clear, turquoise water. On the left, a traditional outrigger boat floats in the water.

Apple Watch App of the Year

Strava, from Strava, Inc.
A screenshot taken on an Apple Watch Series 11 that shows a user setting a new personal record and completing a coastal trail.

Apple TV App of the Year

HBO Max, from WarnerMedia Global Digital Services, LLC.
A still from the Superman movie on HBO Max’s app for Apple TV.


Games

iPhone Game of the Year

Pokémon TCG Pocket, from The Pokemon Company.
Pokémon TCG Pocket, from The Pokemon Company

iPad Game of the Year

DREDGE, from Black Salt Games.
A screenshot taken on an iPad Pro 13-inch that shows a tugboat in dark water while a monster looms behind.

Mac Game of the Year

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, from CD PROJEKT S.A.
A screenshot from Cyberpunk 2077 that shows a tattooed character named Judy sitting outside Lizzie’s Bar. She says to the player: “Slow, deep breaths. Your cortisol and adrenaline spiked, but the soft activated your hormone blockers. Nothin’ happened. You’re alive and well.”

Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year

Porta Nubi, from Michael Temper.
A screenshot taken on Apple Vision Pro that shows multiple boxes in a puzzle formation against a sky background.

Apple Arcade Game of the Year

WHAT THE CLASH?, from Triband ApS.
A screenshot taken on iPhone Air that shows a one-on-one card game.


Cultural Impact Winners

In addition to recognizing apps and games across Apple devices, App Store editors selected six Cultural Impact winners for their ability to drive meaningful change. These apps and games were recognized for their positive impact, providing users with helpful tools, promoting understanding, and shaping a more inclusive world.

Art of Fauna from Klemens Strasser

Art of Fauna turns wildlife illustration from around the world into relaxing puzzles and sets a new standard for accessible game design.
A screenshot taken on iPhone 17 Pro of a puzzle that portrays a baby and mommy koala sitting in a eucalyptus tree.

Chants of Sennaar from Playdigious

Chants of Sennaar celebrates the power of language through a thought-provoking adventure.
A screenshot taken on an iPhone 17 Pro that shows two hooded characters conversing on a balcony.

despelote from Panic, Inc.

despelote crafts an intimate slice-of-life story that shares a glimpse into a nation navigating tumult and uniting through their love for soccer. 
A screenshot taken on a MacBook Pro M5 14-inch that shows a soccer scene from the streets of Quito from the point-of-view of Julian, the 8-year-old protagonist of the despelote game.

Be My Eyes from Be My Eyes

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.
A screenshot taken on an iPhone 17 Pro of the home screen of the Be My Eyes app. Users have the choice to select between two options. The first is for people who need visual assistance; the second is for volunteers.

Focus Friend by Hank Green from B-Tech Consulting Group LLC

Focus Friend by Hank Green acts as a powerful ally against digital distractions by gamifying focus sessions with satisfying prizes.
A screenshot taken on an iPhone 17 Pro that shows what 45 minutes of focus looks like on the Focus Friend app.

StoryGraph from The StoryGraph

StoryGraph creates an inclusive space for the book community rooted in authenticity through discovery elements that help elevate diverse authors.
A screenshot taken on an iPhone 17 Pro that shows the Wuthering Heights StoryGraph page.
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