Apple announces the 45 shortlisted applications and games for the 2024 App Store Awards

2024 App Store Awards Finalists Announced

The App Store Awards have returned to recognise exceptional user experience, design, and innovation in apps and games across various categories. This year, there are 45 finalists competing across 12 different categories.

In the iPhone Game of the Year category, several contenders have emerged. EF Hello, a finalist for empowering language learners with AI-enhanced tools, is one such game. Another is The WereCleaner, an iPhone Game of the Year finalist, delivering comical and creative gameplay. Zenless Zone Zero, immersing players in action-packed storylines, and The WereCleaner, both finalists, offer unique and engaging gaming experiences.

For those who love racing, Disney Speedstorm and The Wreck, both iPad Game of the Year finalists, bring exciting, high-speed racing experiences. On the other hand, AFK Journey, an iPhone Game of the Year finalist, builds enchanting fantasy worlds with striking battles, offering a different kind of thrill.

The city-building genre expands with Frostpunk 2, a finalist for expanding on the genre. Meanwhile, Squad Busters, an iPad Game of the Year finalist, combines the thrill of competition with welcoming, playful gameplay.

In the realm of storytelling, Arco, a finalist, lets players shape their own story, while The TWreck is a finalist for telling an intimate and impactful story via cinematic gameplay. Thank Goodness You're Here!, a finalist, provides nonstop humor and absurdity, offering a different kind of narrative experience.

In the Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year category, Lumy, a finalist, connects users to the rhythms of the sun and moon, while F1 TV, another finalist, transports fans into the cockpit of a race car.

The Mac App of the Year finalists include THRASHER, a finalist for introducing smooth, trailblazing controls and a mesmerizing alien world.

In the Cultural Impact category, Bluey: Let's Play is an iPad App of the Year finalist, delivering lovable characters and family-friendly fun. Do You Really Want to Know 2, a finalist, addresses misconceptions about HIV through an endearing interactive story.

In the Apple TV App of the Year category, Partiful, a finalist, simplifies social gatherings to foster connection and community. Loóna, another finalist, crafts relaxing puzzles, and DailyArt, yet another finalist, inspires curiosity about artistic masterpieces.

In the Apple Arcade Game of the Year category, Assassin's Creed Mirage, an iPad Game of the Year finalist, transports players into a world of narrative-driven adventure. Tripsy, an iPhone App of the Year finalist, keeps travelers organized and stress-free.

In the Mac Game of the Year category, Runna, an iPhone App of the Year finalist, offers tailored training plans to runners of all experience levels. Pinterest, a finalist, inspires new ideas and endless possibilities.

In the Apple Watch App of the Year category, Shapr3D, a finalist, transforms the 3D design workflow.

In the Innovation category, OmniFocus 4, a finalist, simplifies task management. BetterSleep, a finalist, helps users sleep and feel better. LookUp, a finalist, improves vocabularies with daily definitions. JigSpace, a finalist, empowers users to view 3D and augmented reality models with ease.

Vacation Simulator, a finalist, takes players to destinations filled with funny characters and activities. What If...? An Immersive Story, another finalist, invites players into a new kind of Marvel experience. Kino, an iPhone App of the Year finalist, turns everyday moments into cinematic masterpieces.

The Bear, a finalist, turns bedtime into a calming, interactive experience. Stray, a finalist, captures mystery and playfulness in its dark world. NBA, a finalist, redefines sports viewing. Brawl Stars, a finalist, delivers quick bites of action-packed gameplay.

Adobe Lightroom, a finalist, enhances photo editing with AI-powered features. Zoom, a finalist, keeps groups connected in innovative ways.

In the new Apple Vision Pro category, highlighting achievements in spatial computing, Lumy, F1 TV, and more finalists are showcasing the potential of this exciting new technology.

Each of these finalists represents a unique contribution to the world of apps and games, and we eagerly await the announcement of the winners.