Apple has just unveiled its highly anticipated Best Apps of 2024, and if you’re ready to discover the coolest apps for your devices, you’re in for a treat. From AI-powered tools to immersive games, this year’s list is packed with fresh finds. Let’s dive in and meet the best of the best — from cinematic video creators to blockbuster mobile games!
iPhone App of the Year finalists
- Kino: Easily create cinematic style video.
- Runna: Create a structured running routine.
- Tripsy: Plan and log your travel plans and expenses.
Winner: Kino
iPhone Game of the Year finalists
- AFK Journey: An idle game with RPG adventure in bite-sized chunks
- The WereCleaner: A comedy stealth game where you play as a werewolf janitor
- Zenless Zone Zero: A stylish urban fantasy action game from the creators of Genshin Impact
Winner: AFK Journey
iPad App of the Year finalists
- Bluey: Let’s Play: An interactive toy box where kids can create scenes starring their favorite Bluey characters
- Moises: Uses AI to remove vocals from songs and help musicians practice the basics
- Procreate Dreams: A touch-centric 2D animation app
Winner: Moises
iPad Game of the Year finalists
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage: The latest fully fledged Assassin’s Creed release, originally made for consoles
- Disney Speedstorm: An arcade-y kart racing game starring Disney and Pixar characters
- Squad Busters: A MOBA-esque game from the creators of Clash of Clans
Winner: Squad Busters
Apple Arcade Game of the Year finalists
- Balatro+: A mobile version of the acclaimed digital card game Balatro
- Outlanders 2: A city-building game about surviving on the frontier
- Sonic Dream Team: A 3D platformer with six playable characters and gameplay reminiscent of Sonic Adventure and Sonic Generations
Winner: Balatro+
Mac App of the Year finalists
- Adobe Lightroom: Adjust lighting and other factors to make photos look more professional
- OmniFocus 4: A task-management app that syncs across all your Apple devices
- Shapr3D: A CAD tool for collaborating on 3D renders across Mac, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro
Winner: Adobe Lightroom
Mac Game of the Year finalists
- Frostpunk 2: A city-builder about managing resources in the wake of a climate disaster
- Stray: A cyberpunk story about a stray cat making its way in a city full of robots
- Thank Goodness You’re Here!: A comedy adventure game with cartoony hand-drawn art
Winner: Thank Goodness You’re Here!
Apple Watch App of the Year finalists
- LookUp: Quickly translate words across languages.
- Lumy: Keep track of the sun and moon, whether for camping, astronomy, or taking photos.
- Watch to 5K: A marathon training app with a nine-week routine
Winner: Lumy
Apple Vision Pro App of the Year finalists
- JigSpace: View and adjust detailed to-scale 3D models in AR.
- NBA: View NBA games as if you’ve got courtside seats.
- What If…? An Immersive Story: A Marvel game that draws elements from Disney+’s What If…? animated series
Winner: What If…? An Immersive Story
Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year finalists
- Loóna: A puzzle game about assembling 3D dioramas in AR and VR
- Thrasher: Arcade Odyssey: An abstract arcade-y music game from the creators of Thumper
- Vacation Simulator: A comedic follow-up to the VR hit Job Simulator
Winner: Thrasher: Arcade Odyssey
Apple TV App of the Year finalists
- Dropout: An inexpensive streaming service from the creatives behind Collegehumor, featuring exclusive game shows, comedy specials, and improv series
- F1 TV: The official app for viewing and following Formula 1
- Zoom: Take Zoom calls on your Apple TV.
Winner: F1 TV
Cultural impact finalists
The Cultural Impact award is a bit different, in that it has multiple winners.
- Arco: A Western-themed tactics game with a unique pixelated aesthetic and an anticolonial message
- The Bear: A meditative interactive storybook to fall asleep to
- BetterSleep: ASMR, ambient noise, and short meditations to help you fall asleep
- Brawl Stars: A MOBA and Battle Royale hybrid from the creators of Clash of Clans
- DailyArt: An art history app with daily introductions to historically important works
- Do You Really Want to Know 2: A text-adventure game destigmatizing HIV and AIDS
- EF Hello: An AI-powered English tutor that aids with pronunciation, conversation, and grammar
- NYT Games: Access the New York Times’ suite of puzzle games, including Connections and Wordle
- Oko: An AI-powered, pedestrian-first directions app with real-time walk signal identification
- Partiful: Set up in-person or virtual gatherings without relying on Facebook or other social media apps
- Pinterest: The classic mood-board app
- The Wreck: A 3D visual novel where a failed screenwriter confronts her estranged mother after the latter suffers an aneurysm
Winners:
- Oko
- EF Hello
- DailyArt
- NYT Games
- The Wreck
- Do You Really Want to Know 2
1. iPhone App of the Year
Winner: Kino
Lights, Camera, Action!
Kino takes home the crown for iPhone App of the Year! This app turns your iPhone into a professional filmmaking tool, allowing you to create stunning cinematic videos with ease. Whether you’re making a home movie or documenting your travels, Kino’s got everything you need to make your footage look extraordinary.
Finalists:
- Runna: Create a structured running routine.
- Tripsy: Plan and log your travel plans and expenses.
2. iPhone Game of the Year
Winner: AFK Journey
Adventure… on Your Own Time!
If you’ve ever wanted to save the world but didn’t have time to sit down for a marathon gaming session, AFK Journey is for you. This idle RPG lets you level up, battle monsters, and collect loot while you’re doing, well, literally anything else! It’s the perfect blend of lazy fun and epic adventure.
Finalists:
- The WereCleaner: A comedy stealth game where you play as a werewolf janitor.
- Zenless Zone Zero: A stylish urban fantasy action game.
3. iPad App of the Year
Winner: Moises
For the Aspiring Musicians
Moises is an AI-powered app that removes vocals from songs to help musicians practice or remix music. Perfect for anyone who wants to be the next DJ Khaled or just improve their musical chops. Whether you’re in a band or just a shower singer, Moises will make you sound like a pro.
Finalists:
- Bluey: Let’s Play: An interactive toy box where kids can create scenes starring their favorite Bluey characters.
- Procreate Dreams: A touch-centric 2D animation app.
4. iPad Game of the Year
Winner: Squad Busters
MOBA Mayhem on Your iPad
The creators of Clash of Clans bring their strategy expertise to Squad Busters, a game that takes the MOBA genre and distills it into a fast-paced, accessible mobile experience. Build your squad, battle other players, and unlock new characters in this addictive game. Who’s ready to bust some squads?
Finalists:
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage: The latest Assassin’s Creed game, originally made for consoles.
- Disney Speedstorm: Arcade kart racing featuring Disney and Pixar characters.
5. Apple Arcade Game of the Year
Winner: Balatro+
Card Game, But Make It Digital
For fans of card games, Balatro+ brings an exciting new twist to digital card play. It’s fun, competitive, and perfect for those moments when you’re looking for a little brain workout. Strategy is key as you outwit opponents, collect cards, and sharpen your skills. Who said card games were boring?
Finalists:
- Outlanders 2: A city-building game set on the frontier.
- Sonic Dream Team: A 3D platformer with six playable characters reminiscent of the good ol’ Sonic games.
6. Mac App of the Year
Winner: Adobe Lightroom
Turn Your Photos Into Art
Whether you’re a photography pro or just snapping pics for fun, Adobe Lightroom is the app that can take your photos from ‘meh’ to magnificent. With powerful editing tools and a sleek interface, it’s the perfect app for adjusting lighting, color, and details to make your shots pop. Your Instagram game just leveled up.
Finalists:
- OmniFocus 4: A task-management app that syncs across all your Apple devices.
- Shapr3D: A CAD tool for collaborating on 3D designs.
7. Mac Game of the Year
Winner: Thank Goodness You’re Here!
Adventure and Laughter in One!
Looking for a lighthearted, quirky game to make you laugh? Thank Goodness You’re Here! is just the ticket. This hand-drawn comedy adventure lets you solve puzzles, meet colorful characters, and enjoy a story that’s as charming as it is fun. Perfect for a cozy evening indoors.
Finalists:
- Frostpunk 2: A city-builder set in a world ravaged by climate disaster.
- Stray: A cyberpunk adventure where you play as a stray cat in a robot-filled world.
8. Apple Watch App of the Year
Winner: Lumy
Track the Sun and Moon Right From Your Wrist
Whether you’re a photographer, adventurer, or amateur astronomer, Lumy is your new favorite app. It helps you track the sun and moon, perfect for capturing the golden hour, planning your outdoor activities, or simply stargazing. Never miss a perfect shot again!
Finalists:
- LookUp: Quickly translate words across languages.
- Watch to 5K: A marathon training app with a nine-week routine.
9. Apple Vision Pro App of the Year
Winner: What If…? An Immersive Story
Marvel in Augmented Reality
Imagine being part of the Marvel Universe — well, What If…? lets you do just that! This AR game brings the iconic animated series to life, letting you explore alternate realities and interact with Marvel characters like never before. Time to put on your superhero cape (metaphorically, of course).
Finalists:
- JigSpace: View and adjust detailed 3D models in AR.
- NBA: Watch NBA games as if you’re courtside.
10. Apple TV App of the Year
Winner: F1 TV
Race to the Finish Line
F1 TV is the go-to app for every Formula 1 fan. With live race coverage, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive content, you’ll feel like you’re in the pit crew. You won’t miss a lap — even if you’re on the couch with snacks in hand.
Finalists:
- Dropout: The hilarious, low-cost streaming service with exclusive comedy shows.
- Zoom: Take Zoom calls on your Apple TV (because why not?).
Cultural Impact Award
This year, Apple recognizes apps that go above and beyond in making a real-world impact. The Cultural Impact Award winners have contributed something more — whether through education, social awareness, or simply making the world a little better.
Winners:
- Oko: An AI-powered navigation app that helps pedestrians cross streets safely.
- EF Hello: AI-powered English tutor to help with language skills.
- DailyArt: Discover a new piece of art every day.
- NYT Games: Access a suite of engaging and challenging puzzle games.
- The Wreck: A 3D visual novel exploring complex family relationships.
- Do You Really Want to Know 2: A text-adventure game focused on HIV and AIDS awareness.
The Best of 2024 is Just a Download Away!
From the cinematic brilliance of Kino to the superpowered fun of What If…?, Apple’s Best Apps of 2024 bring a fresh wave of innovation, creativity, and fun to your devices. Whether you’re working, gaming, or exploring new worlds, these apps are designed to enhance every moment. So what are you waiting for? Time to update your devices and dive in!
