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In 2020, all the talk from the years before about finding balance, keeping fit, and getting to long-drawn-out projects became a reality, as people are pushed to finally start taking action on the way they live and work. This is evident in their choice of apps, which reflect a growing need for productivity, mental health, and escapism from spending most of the day at home.

On Tuesday, Apple unveiled its top picks in apps and games for the iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch and Apple TV, as well as shared its most popular downloads from the year. The company acknowledged a noticeable shift in content since apps “are a reflection of culture.”

“In 2020, developers overwhelmingly led a trend towards helpfulness,” Apple noted in its press release. Since the user is always placed first, several of the programs are designed to help people cope with new adjustments at home. They’re focused on at-home work and learning, bridging the physical gaps between loved ones, and self-care.

The iPhone App of the Year is Wakeout!, a quick exercise app for those used to a sedentary lifestyle that encourages them to work out from their couch, bed, or home office desk. Zoom has been named the iPad App of the Year, and calendar and task app Fantastical has been hailed Mac App of the Year. This year’s top pick for iPhone games is Genshin Impact, a vast, magical role-playing game.

Apple CEO Tim Cook also delivered a special address to thank app developers for going out of their way to keep users entertained, engaged, and in control during quarantine. “In a year that was challenging for so many of us in so many ways, I’d like to take a moment to share how grateful I am for your work,” he announced in a video shot at Apple Park.

In a year unlike any other, developers have amazed us with new ways to keep us connected, entertained, active and healthy. Congratulations to the incredible app and game creators behind the @AppStore Best of 2020! https://t.co/duY64VGtmw pic.twitter.com/b98OkoGYXa

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) December 2, 2020

“You put your heart and soul into finding ways to solve new problems, delivering unmatched innovation to keep us all entertained, active, productive, learning, and healthy,” Cook added.

For the first time ever, selected app developers were presented with a physical ‘App Store Best Of’ award, designed with 100-percent aluminum:


Image via Apple

Unsurprisingly, the most-downloaded apps of 2020 have been centered around productivity and entertainment, and include Zoom, Procreate Pocket, and AutoSleep.

Take a look at Apple’s favorite and most-downloaded apps from this year below, and head here to see its top games in terms of downloads.


iPhone App of the Year: Wakeout!




iPhone Game of the Year: Genshin Impact




iPad App of the Year: Zoom






iPad Game of the Year: Legends of Runeterra




Mac App of the Year: Fantastical




Mac Game of the Year: Disco Elysium




Apple TV App of the Year: Disney+




Apple TV Game of the Year: Dandara Trials of Fear




Apple Watch App of the Year: Endel




Apple Watch Game of the Year: Sneaky Sasquatch




Most downloaded apps of 2020

Top free apps, based on downloads
1. ZOOM Cloud Meetings
2. TikTok
3. Disney+
4. YouTube
5. Instagram
6. Facebook
7. Snapchat
8. Messenger
9. Gmail
10. Cash App
11. Amazon Shopping
12. Netflix
13. Google Maps
14. DoorDash
15. Spotify
16. Widgetsmith
17. WhatsApp Messenger
18. Venmo
19. Google
20. Google Meet


Top paid apps, based on downloads
1. TouchRetouch
2. Procreate Pocket
3. Facetune
4. HotSchedules
5. AutoSleep
6. The Wonder Weeks
7. SkyView
8. Shadowrocket
9. Sky Guide
10. Forest - Stay focused
11. FlickType Keyboard
12. Mirror for Samsung TV
13. Scanner Pro by Readdle
14. kirakira+
15. Toca Hair Salon 3
16. Screen Mirroring+ for Roku
17. The Mandalorian Stickers
18. FiLMiC Pro－Video Camera
19. EpocCam Webcamera for Computer
20. Star Walk 2: The Night Sky Map



[via iDownloadBlog and TechCrunch, images via Apple]

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