Apple's App Store is home to nearly two million apps, each designed to enhance your life in some way. From entertainment and wellness to productivity and beyond, there's something for everyone. But amidst the vast sea of options, Apple's editors have identified 17 standout winners that demonstrate exceptional app user experience.

These awards span multiple categories, including best apps for iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, and iPad, as well as games and cultural impact winners. Whether you're familiar with some of these winners or discovering new favorites, each one has earned its place among the top tier of apps in the App Store.

As part of ZDNET's coverage, editor-in-chief Jason Hiner and I had the opportunity to meet with all 17 app developers and demo their applications. While some winners were already familiar faces, many others surprised us with innovative features and practical solutions.

The Apple App Store Winners for 2024

  • iPhone App of the Year: Kino by Lux Optics Inc., revolutionizing cinematic video shooting with pro-level control and a simpler interface.
  • iPad App of the Year: Moises by Moises Systems Inc., empowering music producers with advanced audio editing features.
  • Mac App of the Year: Adobe Lightroom, leveraging AI to remove reflections from glass in photos and more.
  • Apple Vision Pro App of the Year: What If…? An Immersive Story, a cinematic experience that lets you explore memories and potentially change outcomes.
  • Apple Watch App of the Year: Lumy by Raja V, tracking sunlight exposure with precision.
  • Apple TV App of the Year: F1 TV, streaming live races like never before.
  • iPhone Game of the Year: AFK Journey by Farlight Games, an immersive adventure that combines exploration and combat.
  • iPad Game of the Year: Squad Busters by Supercell, a fast-paced multiplayer experience.
  • Mac Game of the Year: Thank Goodness You're Here! by Panic, Inc., a fun puzzle game with a dash of humor.
  • Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year: THRASHER: Arcade Odyssey by Puddle, LLC, an action-packed thrill ride.
  • Apple Arcade Game of the Year: Balatro+ by Playstack Ltd., a unique blend of exploration and combat.

Cultural Impact Winners

  • Oko from AYES BV, empowering visually impaired users with AI-driven navigation.
  • EF Hello from Signum International AG, connecting language learners worldwide.
  • DailyArt from Zuzanna Stanska, curating daily fine art pieces for art enthusiasts.
  • NYT Games from The New York Times Company, providing engaging brain-teasers and challenges.
  • The Wreck from The Pixel Hunt, a powerful storytelling experience that explores memories and life lessons.

Our Favorites

Jason's picks:

  • Lightroom's innovative AI features, such as removing reflections from glass in photos.
  • Moises' advanced audio editing capabilities for music producers.
  • The Wreck's creative storytelling approach, combining game, comic book, and movie elements.

Sabrina's picks:

  • DailyArt's daily fine art curation and engaging UI.
  • Oko's AI-driven navigation app for visually impaired users.
  • NYT Games' brain-teasers and challenges to keep you engaged.

These winners demonstrate exceptional app user experience, offering innovative features, practical solutions, and engaging experiences that enhance our lives. Whether you're a seasoned app enthusiast or just discovering the App Store, there's something for everyone among these standout winners.