FROM THE EDITORS
Announcing the 2023 App Store Awards
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. As always, we focus on technical innovation, user experience and design. Then we consider the impact these apps and games have had on our lives.
With so many wonderful apps and games on the App Store all over the world, selecting just a few is no easy task. We’re proud to honour this year’s winners and finalists. Congratulations to them all!
Not all titles may be available to download in your region.
iPhone App of the Year
AllTrails
This incredibly comprehensive trail guide and community of nature enthusiasts helped us reach new heights – literally.
iPhone Game of the Year
Honkai: Star Rail
Incredible visuals, tactically rich combat, mind-blowing worlds. This year’s most enthralling adventure whisked us away on a far-flung space odyssey.
iPad App of the Year
Prêt-à-Makeup
This app is revolutionising make-up artistry while fostering inclusivity and self-expression.
iPad Game of the Year
Lost in Play
The year’s most charming adventure brought us into a world powered by childlike imagination – and we never wanted to leave.
Mac App of the Year
Photomator
This machine-learning-powered photo app wowed us with artful edits we thought only experienced pros could pull off.
Mac Game of the Year
Lies of P
This dark spin on a classic children’s tale is more than a beautiful, challenging RPG. It’s also an insightful examination of what it means to be human.
Download on the Mac App Store.
Apple Arcade Game of the Year
Hello Kitty Island Adventure
From the moment you float into Hello Kitty Island Adventure (clutching a bunch of colourful balloons, of course), you’re reminded there’s one thing that truly makes the world go round: kindness.
Apple Watch App of the Year
SmartGym
With its comprehensive library of exercises, AI-powered routines and robust reporting, this all-in-one workout app strips away any resistance you may have towards reaching your fitness goals.
Apple TV App of the Year
MUBI
MUBI helped us discover amazing experimental films, indie gems and international documentaries – all expertly curated with a human touch.
Cultural Impact winners
Pok Pok
Pok Pok offers a universal space for pre-schoolers of all backgrounds and abilities to play, explore and see the world as one.
Proloquo
The accessibility-app pioneer is taking strides to make augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) a more accepted – and effective – way to connect.
Too Good To Go
More than just a source for delicious food, Too Good To Go saves you money – and helps the planet.
Finding Hannah
Through one of the year’s most inclusive and heartfelt tales, this vibrant hidden‑object game explores the power of healing long‑standing family wounds.
Unpacking
This poignant puzzler not only makes flexing your decorating skills fun – it also reminds you it’s possible to connect deeply with someone you’ve never met.
Trend of the Year
Generative AI captured our collective imagination this year – and on the App Store, we saw its evolution unfold in real time.