Apple’s 2025 App Store Award Finalists — A Mom & Marketer’s Take

As someone who juggles work deadlines, school drop‑offs, and family dinners, I’m always on the lookout for apps that make life smoother, healthier, and more fun. Apple just announced the 45 finalists for the 2025 App Store Awards, and I couldn’t help but see how many of these tools and games connect directly to the way families like mine live, learn, and play.

Every November, I look forward to Apple’s App Store Awards because they don’t just celebrate technology — they celebrate the way apps shape our daily lives. As a mom of two, a marketing manager, and someone who thrives on balancing career and family, I see apps as more than digital tools. They’re companions that help us cook healthier meals, keep track of busy schedules, stay connected with loved ones, and even sneak in a little fun after bedtime.

This year, Apple has recognized 45 finalists across 12 categories, ranging from iPhone and iPad apps to Apple Watch, Apple TV, and even Vision Pro experiences. What excites me most is how these finalists reflect the diversity of modern life: apps that calm our minds, games that bring families together, and platforms that empower creativity and inclusivity.

For parents like me, apps such as Tiimo or Structured can transform chaos into calm. For kids, games like Pokémon TCG Pocket or PBS KIDS Video offer safe, engaging entertainment. And for professionals, tools like Detail or Essayist streamline workflows and spark creativity.

The App Store Awards aren’t just about innovation — they’re about impact. They remind us that technology, when designed thoughtfully, can enrich our routines, strengthen our communities, and inspire us to live healthier, more connected lives.

📱 iPhone App of the Year

• BandLab – Perfect for creative teens (or parents!) who want to record music and share it with a community. I love how it encourages self‑expression.
• LADDER – Takes the guesswork out of strength training. For busy moms like me, it’s like having a personal trainer in your pocket.
• Tiimo – A calming way to manage to‑dos. Honestly, anything that makes my chaotic schedule feel less overwhelming is a win.

🎮 iPhone Game of the Year

• Capybara Go! – Quirky, lighthearted fun. My kids would adore this lovable critter.
• Pokémon TCG Pocket – Nostalgia meets modern gameplay. Great for bonding across generations.
• Thronefall – Minimalist controls but thrilling battles — ideal for quick play sessions after bedtime.

📖 iPad App of the Year

• Detail – Redefines content creation workflows. As a marketer, this feels like a productivity booster.
• Graintouch – Brings print art beauty to digital creatives. Inspiring for DIY craft lovers like me.
• Structured – Visual timelines that make even the busiest days digestible. PTA meetings, soccer practice, yoga — all in one view.

🕹️ iPad Game of the Year

• DREDGE – A haunting mystery with smooth gameplay. Perfect for winding down after a long day.
• Infinity Nikki – Whimsical adventures that spark imagination.
• Prince of Persia Lost Crown – Epic storytelling that keeps you hooked.

💻 Mac App of the Year

• Acorn – Pro‑level photo edits. Great for family vacation albums.
• Essayist – Stress‑free academic paper formatting. Parents of middle‑schoolers, take note!
• Under My Roof – Helps homeowners stay organized. From repairs to reminders, this feels like a lifesaver.

🎮 Mac Game of the Year

• Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Immersive journey through feudal Japan.
• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition – Futuristic visuals that captivate.
• Neva – Emotionally moving storytelling paired with striking imagery.

🎉 Apple Arcade Game of the Year

• Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE – Pure chaos and fun.
• PGA TOUR Pro Golf – For sports fans who want pro‑level excitement.
• WHAT THE CLASH? – Hundreds of silly mini games — perfect for family game night.

👓 Apple Vision Pro App of the Year

• Camo Studio – Flexible livestreaming tools for creators.
• D-Day: The Camera Soldier – Immersive storytelling that feels groundbreaking.
• Explore POV – Travel the world through immersive videos — a dream for families who love exploring.

🕹️ Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year

• Fishing Haven – Calm waters and relaxation.
• Gears & Goo – Strategic gameplay with endearing characters.
• Porta Nubi – Atmospheric puzzles that make you feel like a superhero.

⌚ Apple Watch App of the Year

• GO Club – Keeps you active and hydrated. I’d use this during morning jogs.
• Pro Camera by Moment – Snap pro‑level photos right from your wrist.
• Strava – Connects the global fitness community. I love how it makes workouts social.

📺 Apple TV App of the Year

• HBO Max – Must‑see series with accessibility in mind.
• PBS KIDS Video – Kid‑friendly entertainment that parents can trust.
• Super Farming Boy 4K – Chain reactions and combos for family fun.

🌍 Cultural Impact Finalists

This category really speaks to me as a mom and community volunteer. Apps like Be My Eyes empower people with vision challenges, while Venba celebrates cultural cuisine through heartfelt storytelling. StoryGraph builds inclusive book communities, and Whoscall protects families from scams. These aren’t just apps — they’re tools that foster empathy, safety, and connection.

💡 My Insights

What strikes me most is how these finalists reflect the way technology is woven into everyday life. From Tiimo calming our to‑do lists to PBS KIDS Video giving parents peace of mind, these apps aren’t just about innovation — they’re about making life richer, healthier, and more connected.

As someone who values family time and sustainable living, I’m excited to see apps that balance creativity, wellness, and community impact. It’s proof that tech can be more than screens — it can be a bridge to better living.

Here’s an expanded Insights section in Jessica’s voice, adding about 300 words of thoughtful reflection on how these App Store Award finalists connect to everyday life, family priorities, and broader cultural trends:

💡 Extended Insights

What really stands out to me this year is how the App Store finalists reflect the evolving relationship between technology and human needs. As a mom, I’m constantly balancing screens with real‑world experiences, and I see many of these apps as bridges rather than barriers. For example, Structured isn’t just a productivity tool — it’s a way to visualize the chaos of a family calendar so that everyone feels less stressed. That’s a subtle but powerful shift: technology supporting mental well‑being, not just efficiency.

The Cultural Impact finalists hit close to home. Apps like Be My Eyes and Whoscall remind me that tech can be a force for inclusion and safety. In a world where scams are rampant and accessibility is often overlooked, these apps show how innovation can protect and empower communities. As someone active in PTA and local volunteer events, I see these tools as extensions of community care — digital neighbors looking out for one another.

I also notice a strong theme of creativity democratization. Tools like BandLab and Detail make professional‑level content creation accessible to anyone, whether it’s a teenager experimenting with music or a small business owner refining their brand. This resonates with me as a marketer: the line between “creator” and “consumer” is blurring, and apps are enabling everyday people to tell their stories with polish and impact.

On the family side, I can’t ignore the role of games. Titles like Pokémon TCG Pocket and Capybara Go! aren’t just entertainment — they’re opportunities for bonding. I imagine playing Pokémon with my kids, sharing nostalgia while they discover something new. That’s cultural continuity wrapped in fun.

Finally, the inclusion of Apple Vision Pro apps and games signals where tech is heading: immersive, spatial experiences. While not every household will adopt this right away, it’s a glimpse into how future family vacations, learning, and even PTA meetings might look — more interactive, more engaging, and more connected.

About Author

Jessica is a marketing manager at a tech startup in Austin, Texas, and a proud mom of two. She’s passionate about balancing career and family life, cooking healthy meals, and exploring sustainable living. When she’s not jogging at sunrise or volunteering with her local PTA, Jessica loves discovering apps and tools that make everyday routines more creative, connected, and fun.