In an exciting announcement, Apple has revealed the 45 finalists for the prestigious 2024 App Store Awards, celebrating developers who have excelled in user experience, design, and innovation. This annual event shines a spotlight on the most outstanding apps and games that have significantly enhanced users' lives, fostered creativity, and strengthened connections among friends and families.

This year marks a notable addition with the introduction of the Apple Vision Pro category, which highlights groundbreaking achievements in the realm of spatial computing. The winners, selected from this exceptional group of app and game developers, will be announced in the upcoming weeks, creating much anticipation among tech enthusiasts and developers alike.

Carson Oliver, Apple’s head of Worldwide App Store, expressed excitement regarding this year's finalists, remarking, "We are thrilled to celebrate this year's App Store Award finalists, whose imagination and craftsmanship have produced amazing apps that users love. From games that transport players to fantastical new worlds, to apps that fuel creativity, these developers are delivering remarkable experiences that captivate and inspire."

Finalists Breakdown

iPhone App of the Year Finalists

Kino: A revolutionary app that transforms everyday moments into cinematic masterpieces.

Runna: Providing personalized training plans for runners, accommodating all experience levels.

Tripsy: Your ultimate travel companion, simplifying organization for stress-free trips.

iPhone Game of the Year Finalists

AFK Journey: An enchanting fantasy game filled with striking battles.

The WereCleaner: A delightful blend of comedy and innovative gameplay.

Zenless Zone Zero: Engaging players in thrilling narratives and action.

iPad App of the Year Finalists

Bluey: Let’s Play: An interactive experience featuring beloved characters for family enjoyment.

Moises: AI-powered tools that elevate music practice.

Procreate Dreams: An app that allows users to bring animated stories to life.

iPad Game of the Year Finalists

Assassin’s Creed Mirage: A narrative-driven adventure that immerses players in rich storytelling.

Disney Speedstorm: High-speed racing action featuring iconic Disney characters.

Squad Busters: A unique mix of competition and playful gameplay.

Apple Arcade Game of the Year Finalists

Balatro+: An ingenious card game that promises a unique experience.

Outlanders 2: Captivating players with upgraded graphics and imaginative gameplay.

Sonic Dream Team: New adventures featuring beloved characters for nostalgic players.

Mac App of the Year Finalists

Adobe Lightroom: Transforming photo editing with cutting-edge AI features.

OmniFocus 4: A task management app designed to enhance focus.

Shapr3D: Streamlining the 3D design workflow for professionals.

Mac Game of the Year Finalists

Frostpunk 2: Elevating the city-building genre with new gameplay dynamics.

Stray: Blending mystery and playfulness in a captivating tale.

Thank Goodness You’re Here!: A humor-filled adventure that guarantees laughs.

Apple Watch App of the Year Finalists

LookUp: Enhance your vocabulary daily with new words.

Lumy: Stay in tune with natural rhythms of the sun and moon.

Watch to 5K: A reliable companion for runners, guiding them to finish their goals.

Apple Vision Pro App of the Year Finalists

JigSpace: Making it easy to interact with 3D and augmented reality models.

NBA: A reimagined experience for sports fans, bringing games to life like never before.

What If…? An Immersive Story: Dive into a unique Marvel experience.

Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year Finalists

Loóna: Serene puzzles designed to help players unwind.

THRASHER: A mesmerizing journey through an alien world with smooth controls.

Vacation Simulator: Fun-filled destinations with quirky characters and activities.

Apple TV App of the Year Finalists

DROPOUT: A treasure trove of comedy and entertainment.

F1 TV: A thrilling ride through the world of racing action.

Zoom: A revolutionary way to keep groups connected.

Cultural Impact Finalists

The finalists in this category have made significant strides in shaping narratives and stories that resonate with users:

Arco: Letting players dictate their own stories.

The Bear: An interactive bedtime experience promoting calmness.

BetterSleep: Focused on improving sleep quality for users.

Brawl Stars: Fast-paced action that delivers quick entertainment.

DailyArt: Inspiring curiosity within the artistic community.

Do You Really Want to Know 2: Using interactive storytelling to address important health misconceptions.

EF Hello: Enhanced language-learning tools powered by AI.

NYT Games: Uniting puzzle enthusiasts of all ages.

Oko: Making street navigation safer and accessible.

Partiful: Simplifying event planning for gatherings.

Pinterest: Unlocking creativity and endless inspiration.

The Wreck: An intimate experience conveyed through impactful gameplay.

As the anticipation builds for the announcement of the winners, one thing is clear: the App Store Awards highlight the incredible talent and creativity of developers worldwide. Stay tuned for the results that could redefine your favorite apps and games!