Apple Reveals 2025 App Store Award Winners, Highlighting AI Innovation

Apple announced its annual App Store Award winners on October 12, 2025, recognizing standout applications and games from the past year. The top honors included the iPhone app of the year, Tiimo, a visual planner that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to transform tasks into manageable schedules. Additionally, the iPhone game of the year was awarded to Pokémon TCG Pocket, a card game that continues to capture the hearts of gamers around the world.

While Apple has yet to designate a specific AI application or chatbot as its app of the year, the influence of AI is evident among the winners. Tiimo exemplifies this trend by employing AI to break down tasks, allowing users to create realistic timelines for their daily activities. This functionality enables users to estimate how long each step might take, enhancing productivity and organization.

Notable Winners and Innovations

The iPad app of the year, Detail, simplifies video editing through its innovative “Auto Edit” AI feature, which automatically removes silence, applies zoom cuts, and includes titles and captions. This tool is designed to streamline the editing process, making it more accessible to users with varying levels of expertise.

In the Cultural Impact category, StoryGraph earned recognition for its machine learning capabilities that provide personalized book recommendations based on reading habits. Another standout, Be My Eyes, assists blind and low-vision users by offering real-time visual descriptions through an AI assistant. The Apple Watch app of the year, Strava, also incorporates an AI feature that translates workout data into actionable insights, enhancing the fitness experience.

Apple’s awards were not limited to mobile platforms. The company also recognized applications for the Mac, Apple Vision Pro, and Apple TV, as well as a selection from its game subscription service, Apple Arcade. The awards highlight a diverse range of applications that promote inclusivity, understanding, and innovation.

The complete list of winners includes:
– iPhone App of the Year: Tiimo
– iPhone Game of the Year: Pokémon TCG Pocket
– iPad App of the Year: Detail
– iPad Game of the Year: DREDGE
– Mac App of the Year: Essayist
– Mac Game of the Year: Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
– Apple Arcade Game of the Year: WHAT THE CLASH?
– Apple Vision Pro App of the Year: Explore POV
– Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year: Porta Nubi
– Apple Watch App of the Year: Strava
– Apple TV App of the Year: HBO Max

Cultural Impact winners included the narrative-driven puzzle game Chants of Sennaar, the helpful tool Be My Eyes, distraction blocker Focus Friend, relaxing puzzle app Art of Fauna, soccer game despelote, and the reading tracker StoryGraph.

In November 2024, Apple announced 45 finalists for the awards, ultimately narrowing it down to 17 distinguished apps and games. These selections reflect not only the innovative spirit within the tech industry but also the increasing integration of AI in everyday applications, showcasing how technology can enhance user experience across various domains.