According to MacRumors, Apple just announced the finalists for its 2025 App Store Awards, selecting 45 standout apps and games across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Arcade. The company’s App Store editorial team made the selections, with winners scheduled to be revealed in the coming weeks. Carson Oliver, Apple’s head of App Store Worldwide, stated that these developers created experiences that “empowered users to tap into their creativity” and discover “new adventures through gameplay.” The categories include best apps for each Apple platform plus a cultural impact section recognizing apps that foster community understanding. Notable finalists include BandLab, Ladder, Tiimo AI Planner, and games like Capybara Go and Pokémon TCG Pocket.
What These Finalists Tell Us
Looking at this year’s finalists, Apple‘s clearly pushing several narratives. There’s a heavy emphasis on AI-powered productivity tools – Tiimo AI Planner and Structured both made the cut, suggesting smart scheduling is having a moment. Fitness apps like Ladder show Apple’s continued health focus, while creative tools like BandLab and Detail AI Video Editor highlight the prosumer creative market.
The Gaming Angle Is Interesting
Apple’s gaming finalists reveal something pretty strategic. You’ve got Pokémon TCG Pocket representing the massive IP play, while Thronefall and Graintouch showcase indie darlings. But here’s the thing – Capybara Go feels like Apple Arcade’s attempt at creating its own viral hits. The mix suggests Apple wants to be everything to everyone in mobile gaming – from hardcore collectors to casual players.
That Cultural Impact Category
This is where Apple gets to flex its “we care about society” muscles. The cultural impact category specifically calls out apps that foster “greater understanding” and community interaction. It’s vague by design, but basically Apple wants to highlight apps that align with its corporate values. These selections often get extra promotional love beyond just the awards, which can be huge for smaller developers trying to break through.
Why This Actually Matters
Look, App Store Awards might seem like corporate back-patting, but for developers, this is serious business. Getting featured as a finalist – let alone a winner – can drive massive download spikes and revenue. Apple’s editorial team has incredible power to make or break apps through featuring, and these awards essentially create a curated “best of” list that millions of users will see. For smaller studios competing against giants, this recognition can be career-changing. The real question is whether Apple’s picks actually represent the best apps or just the ones that best serve Apple’s current strategic interests.
