Upgraded to a new iPhone or Mac over the Christmas and New Year break? If you're struggling to find the right applications to take advantage of the latest hardware from Apple, it's worth checking the picks on this list.
Apple announced 17 winners for its annual App Store Awards — basically, the Academy Awards of its App Store, which is the only place to download and install new software for new iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models — earlier this month, spotlighting the best new applications, games, and life-changing new experiences.
The winners were chosen for their clever technical achievements and the meaningful ways they've influenced users' lives. The winners were selected by App Store editors, who chose the champions from a list of 45 finalists, looking at innovation, how well these iOS, iPadOS and macOS apps work, and overall design quality.
With the latest instalment of its annual App Store Awards, the team inside the Californian firm have honoured 17 standout developers for creating the best apps and games of 2025
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Discussing the list of winners, Apple CEO Tim Cook said: "Every year, we’re inspired by the ways developers turn their best ideas into innovative experiences that enrich people’s lives. This year’s winners represent the creativity and excellence that define the App Store, and they demonstrate the meaningful impact that world-class apps and games have on people everywhere."
Own an iPhone? Tiimo took the top spot for the 2025 winners.
Tiimo is a visual planner that uses AI to help you turn goals that you've entered in the app into practical (and achievable) steps you can actually follow. The listing on the App Store states: "Whether you are building routines, navigating time agnosia, or just trying to make it through a busy week, Timo helps reduce mental load and makes it easier to follow through. Planning becomes something that supports you, not something that drains you."
Detail leverages the latest Artificial Intelligence innovations to help you craft professional content in minutes. The teleprompter and Auto-Edit streamline your workflow, while iPad owners can use the Apple Pencil to add annotations on-screen with their own handwriting. Create perfect cuts and transitions for vlogs, shorts, and reels ideal for TikTok and Instagram, the developers claim
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If you're looking to supercharge your experience on iPad, check out Detail.
This app is designed to offer professional-level video editing tools to anyone wanting to create videos, whether you're just starting out or you've been making content for years. The developers behind the award-winning software describe the iPad app, which is also available on iPhone, as follows: "Detail combines the simplicity of a camera app with the power of a video editor. Whether you're creating a 60-second reaction video, a presentation, a 30-minute interview or podcast, or a live stream, you can do it all in one place with Detail.
"Record or import a video and use Al Auto-Edit to create videos and shorts automatically. Instant video. Record, done! Turn your iPhone or iPad into a professional video studio with Detail, the ultimate Al video editor for content creators. Whether you're making TikTok shorts, YouTube vlogs, reels, podcasts, or Instagram stories, Detail has everything you need without juggling complicated apps or gear."
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HBO Max was spotlighted as the best streaming service on Apple TV, according to the team of editors
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If you're reading this article on a Mac, Essayist grabbed the prize for making academic paper formatting far less tedious, using AI to handle the fiddly work.
On your Apple Watch, Strava won for bringing athletes together with its smart design and live tracking features. And if you've got an Apple TV, HBO Max took the streaming crown with its expanded entertainment library and American Sign Language support, making it more accessible for everyone.
While the latter isn't available (yet) in the UK, it will launch in the coming months – a dramatic shake-up for Sky TV.
On the gaming side, Pokémon TCG Pocket won for iPhone, bringing card battles to your phone with beautiful visuals and an interface that works brilliantly on the smaller screen. It's a fresh take on the classic Pokémon card game that fans are absolutely loving.
iPad gamers should try DREDGE, which combines fishing with an eerie mystery. The game manages to feel both welcoming and unsettling at the same time, creating an atmosphere that'll keep you hooked.
For years, PC was heralded as the only computing platform for serious gaming, but the arrival of Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition with support for 120 frames per second (fps) in using ultra settings on Mac showcased what Apple's custom-designed M-series system-on-a-chip can really do
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Mac owners can dive into Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, which impressed the judges with its sprawling futuristic city. For Apple Arcade subscribers, WHAT THE CLASH? won top honours with its ridiculous competitions that'll have you laughing out loud.
Beyond the main awards, Apple picked six apps and games for their Cultural Impact, recognising how they've made a real difference in people's lives. Be My Eyes stands out for helping people who are blind or have limited vision with everyday tasks, connecting them with both AI tools and millions of volunteers around the world who can lend a hand.
With the tap of a button, Be My Eyes connects those with visual impairment with a network of volunteers based across the globe
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You'll also find StoryGraph, which creates a welcoming space for book lovers while helping readers discover authors from varied backgrounds. Focus Friend by Hank Green turns staying focused into a game, rewarding you for avoiding digital distractions. Art of Fauna transforms wildlife drawings into puzzles that anyone can enjoy, whilst Chants of Sennaar explores language through an engaging adventure. Finally, despelote tells a touching story about a community brought together by their passion for football.
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