Apple has unveiled the 45 finalists for the 2024 App Store Awards, recognizing outstanding apps and games that excel in user experience, design, and innovation.
The announcement highlights the diverse contributions of developers across 12 categories, including a new category for Apple Vision Pro, emphasizing advancements in spatial computing.
Spotlight on Top Apps and Games
iPhone
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Finalists for iPhone Apps of the Year include "Kino," "Runna," and "Tripsy," each offering unique tools to enhance everyday experiences.
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For games, "AFK Journey", "The WereCleaner" and "Zenless Zone Zero" captivate players with rich narratives and visuals.
iPad
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The iPad category celebrates apps that inspire creativity and imaginative play.
Finalists such as "Bluey: Let's Play," "Moises," and "Procreate Dreams" offer family-friendly fun, AI-powered music tools, and dynamic storytelling.
(Credit: Apple)
iPad Game of the Year contenders like "Assassin's Creed Mirage," "Disney Speedstorm," and "Squad Busters" provide players with beautifully crafted worlds and thrilling gameplay experiences.
Mac
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Mac App of the Year finalists deliver powerful tools for creativity and productivity. "Adobe Lightroom," "OmniFocus 4," and "Shapr3D" enhance photo editing, task management, and 3D design workflows, respectively.
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In the Mac Game of the Year category, titles like "Frostpunk 2," "Stray," and "Thank Goodness You're Here!" provide unique protagonists, visual styles, and endless fun, expanding the boundaries of gaming on the platform.
Apple Watch
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The Apple Watch App of the Year finalists bring essential tools and information directly to users' wrists. Apps like "LookUp," "Lumy," and "Watch to 5K" improve vocabulary, connect users with natural rhythms, and support fitness goals, respectively, showcasing the convenience and functionality of wearable technology.
Apple Vision Pro
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The newly introduced Apple Vision Pro category highlights groundbreaking achievements in spatial computing. Apps like "JigSpace" and "NBA" redefine how users interact with 3D models and sports content.
(Credit: Apple)
Vision Pro Game finalists, including "Loóna," "THRASHER," and "Vacation Simulator," offer vibrant scenes and intuitive gameplay, immersing players in relaxing puzzles and imaginative worlds.
Apple Arcade
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The Apple Arcade Game of the Year finalists offer epic stories and innovative gameplay.
Titles like "Balatro+," "Outlanders 2," and "Sonic Dream Team" bring fresh twists to classic genres, captivating players with inventive card games, revamped graphics, and beloved characters embarking on new adventures.
Apple TV
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Apple TV App of the Year finalists deliver stunning experiences to the largest screen in the home. Apps like "DROPOUT," "F1 TV," and "Zoom" offer endless laughter, immersive sports experiences, and innovative group connections, transforming how users engage with content and each other in a home setting.
Cultural Impact
The Cultural Impact category highlights apps that tell compelling stories and inspire positive change.
Notable finalists include "BetterSleep" and "DailyArt," which offer transformative experiences and foster cultural curiosity.
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Apps like "Pinterest" and "Partiful" are recognized for their role in fostering creativity and social connections, making everyday life more engaging and connected.
Looking Ahead to the Winners
Apple will announce the winners from these distinguished finalists in the coming weeks.
Carson Oliver, head of Worldwide App Store, praised the creativity and craftsmanship of the developers, noting their ability to deliver experiences that captivate and inspire users worldwide.
Editor's Comments
The 2024 App Store Awards finalists underscore the dynamic nature of app development and the increasingly important role of technology in daily life.
With the introduction of the Apple Vision Pro category, Apple is acknowledging the growing impact of spatial computing.
These awards not only celebrate innovation but also set benchmarks for future app development, encouraging developers to push the boundaries of creativity and functionality.
