From iPhone to Vision Pro: Apple Lists 45 Finalists for 2025 App Store Awards

Apple has announced the finalists for the 2025 App Store Awards, highlighting 45 apps and games that stood out this year for their approach to innovation, user experience and cultural influence.

The list spans 12 categories, covering everything from iPhone and iPad apps to Apple Watch, Apple TV, Apple Arcade and the growing ecosystem around Apple Vision Pro. The winners will be announced in the coming weeks.

iPhone App and Game Finalists

This year’s iPhone App finalists focused on helping users manage routines and creative work. BandLab, LADDER, and Tiimo made the list for their role in simplifying music creation, strength training and daily planning.

For games, Apple highlighted titles that leaned into fun mechanics and lighthearted storytelling. Capybara Go!, Pokémon TCG Pocket, and Thronefall were selected for delivering accessible gameplay across different age groups.

iPad App and Game Finalists

On iPad, the app finalists leaned heavily into creativity and productivity. Detail, Graintouch, and Structured were chosen for offering streamlined workflows for creators and users juggling busy schedules.

For iPad gaming, DREDGE, Infinity Nikki, and Prince of Persia: Lost Crown topped the category with narrative-driven adventures designed around the larger display.

Mac App and Game Finalists

The Mac finalists included tools that help users take on bigger projects with confidence. Acorn, Essayist, and Under My Roof were recognised for editing, academic writing, and home management.

For Mac games, Apple featured visually rich and story-heavy titles: Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, and Neva.

Apple Arcade and Apple TV Finalists

Apple Arcade finalists reflected a mix of quirky concepts and competitive play. Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE, PGA TOUR Pro Golf, and WHAT THE CLASH? were selected for their accessible gameplay styles.

On Apple TV, HBO Max, PBS Kids Video, and Super Farming Boy 4K stood out for their mix of entertainment and family-friendly viewing options.

Apple Vision Pro Finalists

For Vision Pro apps, Apple looked at immersive storytelling and flexible content creation. Camo Studio, D-Day: The Camera Soldier, and Explore POV were recognised for pushing spatial computing a little further.

In the Vision Pro gaming segment, Fishing Haven, Gears & Goo, and Porta Nubi were selected for combining calm exploration, puzzle solving and physics-based interaction.

Cultural Impact Finalists

This category highlighted apps and games that address social themes, accessibility and community building. Titles such as Art of Fauna, A Space for the Unbound, Be My Eyes, despelote, StoryGraph, Venba, Whoscall, and several others were chosen for encouraging empathy, supporting personal well-being or celebrating culture.

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