2022 APP STORE AWARDS

Announcing the App Store Award winners

The best apps and games of the year.

For more than a decade, the App Store editorial team has taken a moment at the end of the year to celebrate the very best apps and games. We’ve heralded the work of individual self-taught developers and huge international teams.

With so many wonderful apps on the App Store all over the world, selecting just a few award winners is no easy task. As always, we focus on technical innovation, user experience and design. Then we consider the impact these apps have had on our lives.

Some helped us know our loved ones better. Others helped us know ourselves. And one in particular had us hurtling through time. It’s our honour to celebrate this year’s winners.

2022 App Store Award winners

iPhone App of the Year: BeReal

A social media sensation that gave us an authentic look into the lives of our friends and family.

    BeReal. Your friends for real.

    Not another social network.

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iPhone Game of the Year: Apex Legends Mobile

This thoughtfully re-engineered groundbreaking battle royale is its best version to date.

iPad App of the Year: GoodNotes 5

With best-in-class Apple Pencil support and powerful collaboration tools, the gold standard of digital note-taking became even better.

    Goodnotes 6

    Notes Reimagined.

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iPad Game of the Year: Moncage

A stunningly fresh spin on mobile puzzling that expanded our minds and got us thinking in thrilling new ways.

    Moncage

    Optical Illusions Puzzle Game

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Mac App of the Year: MacFamilyTree

We loved documenting and visualising our family history with this comprehensive genealogy app.

    MacFamilyTree 10

    The Best in Genealogy

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Mac Game of the Year: Inscryption

The surprises never stop in this deep deck-building adventure.

    Inscryption

    Games

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Apple Watch App of the Year: Gentler Streak

A fitness tracker that encouraged us to tune in to our bodies – and take a rest when we needed.

    Gentler Streak Workout Tracker

    Healthy Exercise & Rest Habit

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Apple TV Game of the Year: El Hijo

We loved how this spirited stealth adventure values brains over brawn – and looks stunning on the big screen.

    El Hijo

    Games

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Arcade Game of the Year: Wylde Flowers

With remarkably authentic diversity, this life-sim’s idyllic world makes free expression (and casting spells) incredibly fun.

    Apple Arcade

    Wylde Flowers

    Cozy, magical life-sim

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Cultural Impact winners

Dot’s Home

Shining a spotlight on historical injustices through a compelling time-travelling tale.

    Dot's Home

    Games

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How We Feel

Helping us engage more deeply with our emotions – and providing strategies for addressing them in the moment.

    How We Feel

    An emotional wellbeing journal

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Inua

Honouring the heritage of the Inuit, whose folklore gives a breathtaking tale its beating heart.

    Inua - A Story in Ice and Time

    Games

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Locket Widget

Bringing friends and family closer by helping us see the small moments we otherwise might miss.

    Locket Widget

    Live pics from best friends

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Waterllama

Encouraging everyone to stay hydrated through a winning combination of gentle guidance and adorable characters.

    Water tracker Waterllama

    Drink water reminder vitality

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