For over 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.
It’s our honor to celebrate this year’s winners. Enjoy!
iPhone App of the Year: BeReal
A social media sensation that gave us an authentic look into the lives of our friends and family.
Download BeReal from the App Store
iPhone Game of the Year: Apex Legends Mobile
This thoughtfully reengineered groundbreaking battle royale is its best version to date.
Download Apex Legends Mobile from the App Store
iPad App of the Year: GoodNotes 5
With best-in-class Apple Pencil support and powerful collaboration tools, the gold standard of digital notetaking got even better.
Download GoodNotes 5 from the App Store
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.
Download Moncage from the App Store
Mac App of the Year: MacFamilyTree
We loved documenting and visualizing our family history with this comprehensive genealogy app.
Download MacFamilyTree from the Mac App Store
Mac Game of the Year: Inscryption
The surprises never stop in this deep deck-building adventure.
Download Inscryption from the Mac App Store
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.
Download Gentler Streak from the App Store
Apple TV App of the Year: ViX
A Spanish-language streamer that brought together the drama we love and the sports that get our heart pumping.
Download ViX from the App Store
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.
Download El Hijo from the App Store
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.
Download Wylde Flowers from Apple Arcade
Cultural Impact Winners:
Dot’s Home
Shining a spotlight on historical injustices through a compelling time-travel tale.
How We Feel
Helping us engage more deeply with our emotions—and providing strategies for addressing them in the moment.
Download How We Feel from the App Store
Inua
Honoring the heritage of the Inuit, whose folklore gives a breathtaking tale its beating heart.
Download Inua from the App Store
Locket Widget
Bringing friends and family closer by helping us see the small moments we otherwise might miss.
Download Locket Widget from the App Store
Waterllama
Encouraging everyone to stay hydrated through a winning combination of gentle guidance and adorable characters.
Download Waterllama from the App Store
Originally published on November 28, 2022 on the App Store Today tab.
