Apple just announced the “best” apps and games of 2024, with categories for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and even Apple Arcade.

As with all award ceremonies, this one is full of choices that you may or may not agree with—that’s fine, this is a good opportunity to find new games and apps that you may have missed in 2024.

I also suggest that you check out Google’s Top Android Apps of 2024, as there are some interesting similarities and differences between Apple and Google’s picks.

The Best Apps of 2024

Apple’s favorite apps of 2024 are a mismatch of things that you’ve probably never heard of. And, in a sense, that’s a good thing. This is an opportunity for discovery—just ignore Apple’s pick for the best Mac app; it’s the only boring one on this list.

• iPhone App of the Year: Kino Pro Video Camera
• iPad App of the Year: Moises: The Musician’s App
• Mac App of the Year: Adobe Lightroom
• Apple Watch App of the Year: Lumy Sunlight Tracker
• Apple TV App of the Year: Formula One’s F1 TV
• Apple Vision Pro App of the Year: Marvel’s What If…?

Of these apps, Lumy might be the most interesting. It’s an app that tracks outdoor sunlight levels for photographers, athletes, or anyone who wants to spend some time in the sun.

The Best Games of 2024

Gaming on an Apple device? It’s not as weird as you might assume. Mobile games are more engaging and exciting than ever before, and the Mac is slowly—very slowly— growing into a compelling platform for gaming.

• iPhone Game of the Year: AFK Journey
• iPad Game of the Year: Squad Busters
• Mac Game of the Year: Thank Goodness You’re Here!
• Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year: THRASHER: Arcade Odyssey
• Apple Arcade Game of the Year: Balatro+

Interestingly, Apple’s iPhone Game of the Year is identical to Google’s pick for Android Game of the Year. I’ve never been a huge fan of passive games, but I may need to give AFK Journey a spin.

And while I’m glad to see that Balatro got an award from Apple, I should point out that the “Balatro+” release, which requires an Apple Arcade subscription, is identical to the standard game. If you want to play Balatro on your iPhone or iPad, just buy it from the App Store for $10 and skip the Apple Arcade subscription, assuming that you aren’t already subscribed to Apple Arcade.

For additional “Best of 2024” picks, including a set of awards for apps with the biggest cultural impact, check the Apple Newsroom.

Source: Apple