Apple Reveals Top Apps & Games In The Running For Its 2024 Design Award
Image via Apple
Apple’s iPhones are impressive and all, but they’re only as great as the experience they provide. This is heightened by the creative and impactful apps and games unleashed by talented developers around the world. Each year, the tech giant recognizes their efforts through the Apple Design Award. Now, a fresh batch of finalists has been announced ahead of the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.
Once again, the contenders for 2024 consist of a diverse gamut of apps and games pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. New for 2024 is the ‘Spatial Computing’ category, reflecting the growing prevalence of AR/VR experiences as well as Apple’s embrace of the technology with its mixed-reality Vision Pro.
Apple says the winners from this round will be revealed “soon.” In the meantime, view all of them below.
Delight and Fun
“Finalists in this category provide memorable, engaging, and satisfying experiences enhanced by Apple technologies,” notes Apple.
App for iPhone & iPad by Silly Little Apps LLC, USA
Every day, Dudel Draw delivers a unique shape to your phone, sparking your creativity and challenging you to transform it into something extraordinary. With easy-to-use drawing tools and the ability to view the shape from different angles, Dudel Draw offers a unique way to combat creative block and connect with other users through artistic interpretations of the same daily form for both seasoned artists and curious beginners alike.
Images via Apple
App for iPhone, iPad & Mac by Isuru Wanasinghe, Australia
Image via Apple
More than a typical gratitude journal, Bears Gratitude presents users with a daily dose of appreciation through adorable illustrations and motivational prompts. It goes beyond just writing down what you're thankful for, with features like self-reward stickers and bite-sized inspirational articles to cultivate a positive and mindful daily routine.
App for iPhone & iPad by Things, Inc., USA
Rooms invites users to design and explore 3D spaces, from cozy living rooms to fantastical landscapes. With a vast library of user-generated objects and intuitive building tools, it encourages a collaborative environment where anyone can build, edit, and even code interactive elements within their masterpieces.
Image via Apple
Game for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV & Apple Vision Pro by Triband ApS, Denmark
Buckle up for a wild ride in WHAT THE CAR?, an off-the-wall game that throws physics out the window as you control a car that can sprout legs, fly with a jetpack, and even morph into a shark. Expect the unexpected with wacky challenges that range from racing across platforms to chopping vegetables and singing karaoke. Explore strange islands, solve puzzles, and create your own chaotic levels to share with friends in this absurdly funny adventure.
Image via Apple
Game for iPhone & iPad by The New York Times Company, USA
The New York Times Games app offers a portable collection of brainteasers familiar to newspaper puzzle enthusiasts. Featuring classics like the daily crossword and sudoku alongside newer offerings, the app caters to those who enjoy a quick mental challenge on the go.
Image via Apple
Game for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro by Sunblink Entertainment LLC, USA
Hello Kitty Island Adventure invites players to a charming island getaway alongside Hello Kitty and her friends. This life simulation game on Apple Arcade lets you rebuild a forgotten theme park, solve puzzles, and decorate cozy cabins. Unwind with fishing, crafting, and participating in fun mini-games, all while creating a delightful island paradise with your favorite Sanrio characters.
Image via Apple
Innovation
Shortlisted apps within this category “provide a state-of-the-art experience through novel use of Apple technologies that set them apart in their genre,” the company explains.
App for iPhone & Mac by Copilot Money, Inc., USA
Copilot Money is a budgeting app aiming to be your personal finance assistant. Using artificial intelligence, it tracks your spending across accounts, categorizes transactions, and helps you craft a budget based on your habits.
Images via Apple
App for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac & Apple Vision Pro by Mateus Abras, Brazil
SmartGym aims to be your one-stop shop for crafting and conquering your workouts. It offers personalized training plans generated by AI, or you can choose from a library of pre-made routines designed by certified professionals. The app caters to both gym and home exercise, letting you filter workouts based on the equipment you have available. Track your progress over time and even sync your data to the cloud for safekeeping.
Image via Apple
App for iPad by Savage Interactive Pty Ltd, Australia
This iPad-exclusive program boasts a user-friendly interface specifically designed for touchscreens, allowing you to bring your drawings to life with fluid gestures. Import your favorite Procreate brushes and textures, add sound effects and music, and unleash your creativity with a powerful yet accessible feature set. While some advanced animation tools are still missing, Procreate Dreams offers a compelling option for beginners and seasoned artists alike to step into the world of animation.
Image via Apple
Game for iPhone & iPad by Activision Publishing, Inc., USA
This free-to-play first-person shooter throws you into massive online battles on iconic maps like Verdansk and Rebirth Island. Team up with friends or go solo, strategize to survive a shrinking battlefield, and battle it out against 149 other real players for ultimate bragging rights. The game touts impressive graphics and customizable controls for a smooth mobile experience, but be prepared for the intense competition and strategic depth Call of Duty is known for.
Game for iPhone, iPad & Apple Vision Pro by Snapbreak Games AB, Sweden
Lost in Play is a point-and-click adventure game that takes you on a whimsical journey through a child's imagination. Guide a brother and sister duo as they navigate fantastical landscapes, solve creative puzzles, and interact with quirky characters, all while trying to find their way back home. With a hand-drawn art style reminiscent of classic cartoons, Lost in Play offers a heartwarming adventure for gamers of all ages.
Game for iPhone, iPad & Apple Vision Pro by Palm Court LLC, USA
Based on the popular board game, Wavelength uses a unique dial mechanic to test your ability to read minds. One player gives clues to bridge the gap between two opposing concepts, while the rest of the team tries to place the dial on the spectrum to indicate where the clue falls. It’s a hilarious exercise in communication and guesswork, perfect for your next virtual game night.
Image via Apple
Inclusivity
“Finalists in this category provide a great experience for all by supporting people from a diversity of backgrounds, abilities, and languages,” Apple details.
App for iPhone by AYES, Belgium
Looking to transform navigation for the visually impaired, oko combines AI and smartphone technology to bring audio and haptic feedback to users, guiding them confidently through their surroundings. It provides turn-by-turn directions and even identifies traffic signals, like crosswalk signs, eliminating dependence on potentially unreliable audible signals. This inspiring tool has great potential to increase independence and safety for blind and visually impaired individuals.
Images via Apple
App for iPad & Mac by Elsevier, Ireland
With incredibly detailed 3D models, Complete Anatomy 2024 allows you to virtually dissect and explore everything from bones and muscles to a fully functional digital heart. This interactive platform goes beyond static images, offering a personalized learning experience with features like dissection tools and multi-language support.
Image via Apple
App for iPhone, iPad & Apple Watch by tiimo ApS, Denmark
Tiimo is a daily planner app designed with neurodiversity in mind. It ditches bullet points for a visual timeline, allowing users with ADHD or autism, or simply those who prefer a more structured approach, to see their day at a glance. AI-powered checklists help break down daunting tasks, and built-in reminders keep you on track. Tiimo offers a customizable system to plan, focus, and finally feel like you’re owning your day.
Images via Apple
Game for iPhone & iPad by Humble Bundle, Inc, USA
Unpacking is a game that puts you in the shoes of someone moving house, tasking you with sorting through boxes and creating a comfortable living space. Part puzzle and part narrative exploration, the game unfolds the character’s life story not through dialogue, but rather through the everyday items you unpack. With no timers or scores, Unpacking offers a relaxing and thought-provoking way to experience the emotional journey of moving on.
Game for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV & Apple Vision Pro by Kovalov Ivan, Ukraine
This minimalist puzzle game challenges you to move lines around a grid, fitting them into specific slots. With over 175 levels and various mechanics like rotation and teleportation, Quadline promises a satisfying and thought-provoking experience for players who enjoy a relaxing mental challenge.
Images via Apple
Game for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV & Apple Vision Pro by RED GAMES CO, LLC, USA
Geared towards budding young minds, Crayola Adventures ditches the lines and paint-by-number approach of traditional coloring apps. Instead, it throws open a world where kids can become the authors, illustrators, and heroes of their own stories. This app lets them paint, draw, and craft their way through fantastical landscapes, designing characters, and choosing their own narrative paths. It’s like having a giant, interactive storybook come to life, fueled entirely by a child's imagination.
Image via Apple
Interaction
According to Apple, chosen apps and games in the Interaction category “deliver intuitive interfaces and effortless controls that are perfectly tailored to their platform.”
App for iPad by Savage Interactive Pty Ltd, Australia
Mentioned for a second time this year, Procreate Dreams lets you take your artwork a step further by transforming static illustrations into fluid animations.
Image via Apple
App for iPhone by The Browser Company of New York Inc., USA
This AI-powered mobile browser promises to find answers quickly by summarizing webpages and offering a clutter-free browsing experience with built-in ad blocking. It also has features like voice-activated search and intuitive summaries, all aimed at getting you the information you need without the usual internet overload.
Images via Apple
App for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch & Apple Vision Pro by Devin Davies, New Zealand
Designed to simplify your life in the kitchen, Crouton helps you organize recipes from various sources, including websites and cookbooks, with features like scanning and importing. While cooking, the app brings forth a unique step-by-step mode that lets you focus on one instruction at a time, with handy features like ingredient highlighting and hands-free navigation for messy situations. Meal planning is also integrated, allowing you to assign recipes to your week and create grocery lists.
Images via Apple
Game for iPhone & iPad by Playdigious, France
Beckoning players into a world of unsettling whimsy, this side-scrolling puzzle adventure swaps sprawling landscapes for confined spaces, placing you in the shoes of a tiny protagonist named Six. The Maw, a monstrous vessel overflowing with grotesque inhabitants, becomes your prison as you navigate its treacherous depths. With a dark, almost childlike art style and a pervasive sense of dread, Little Nightmares takes you on a tense journey of escape where every shadow could conceal a lurking horror.
Game for iPhone & iPad by Floppy Club ApS, Denmark
Rytmos is a unique game that blends the challenge of mazes with the joy of music creation. Explore a universe of vibrant planets, each with its own distinct musical style. By solving puzzles on each planet’s surface, you’ll gradually build melodic loops that layer upon each other, culminating in rich musical compositions. Rytmos offers a relaxing and creative way to unwind while encountering new musical genres from around the world.
Game for iPhone, iPad, Mac & Apple TV by Seabaa, Inc., USA
With the simple but strategic finity., players slide rows and columns of colored tiles to create matches of three or more, but the twist is that every move counts down a timer on the remaining tiles.
Image via Apple
Spatial Computing
For this new category, finalists “brought extraordinary craftsmanship to their exceptional spatial experiences.”
App for Apple Vision Pro, iPhone & iPad by Fifth Star Labs LLC, USA
Sky Guide is a stargazing app that puts the universe at your fingertips, where you can identify constellations, stars, planets, and even satellites in the night sky in real-time. With its easy-to-use interface and AR mode, you can ditch the star charts and navigate the cosmos effortlessly.
Sky Guide for Vision Pro is surreal pic.twitter.com/ZjauPjQEri
— amit âš¡ï¸ (@gravicle) February 6, 2024
App for Apple Vision Pro, iPhone, iPad & Apple Watch by NBA MEDIA VENTURES, LLC, USA
The NBA app for Apple’s Vision Pro headset is changing the way fans experience basketball. Forget squeezing into a crowded bar to catch multiple games—this app lets you watch up to five broadcasts simultaneously, with real-time stats hovering alongside the action. Simply glance around the virtual space to switch between games, or dive deeper into player performance metrics. It’s an innovative take on watching the NBA, offering an even more captivating experience for diehard fans.
Image via Apple
App for Apple Vision Pro, iPhone, iPad, Mac & Apple Watch by Algoriddim GmbH, Germany
A new era of DJing has arrived with djay, which ditches the traditional setup and throws you into a fully immersive, 3D environment. Manipulate virtual turntables and mix tracks with hand gestures, all while surrounded by stunning visuals that react to your music. djay is integrated with Apple Music, giving audiophiles access to a massive library of over 100 million songs.
Image via Apple
Game for Apple Vision Pro, iPhone & iPad by Kluge Strategic Inc., USA
Apple’s new rhythm game, Synth Riders, throws you into the center of a pulsating musical world on Vision Pro. Forget button mashing—you’ll twist, dodge and swing your arms to the beat, catching glowing orbs and navigating rails as the music surges. With a wide variety of genres and a unique visual style, Synth Riders promises a full-body workout disguised as a thrilling, immersive adventure.
Game for Apple Vision Pro by Shapes and Stories, USA
Blackbox takes players on a journey beyond the screen in a unique and open-ended experience. By interacting with their physical space and using their senses in new ways, gamers solve puzzles that unfold through sound, sight, and movement.
Game for Apple Vision Pro by Loona Inc., USA
Loóna: Cozy Puzzle Games offers a unique twist on the genre. Instead of flat, two-dimensional puzzles, Loóna lets you build charming 3D dioramas, made even more immersive with the Vision Pro. Once complete, your creations come alive with delightful animations, transforming into vibrant little worlds.
Visuals and Graphics
These compelling apps and games demonstrate “stunning imagery, skillfully drawn interfaces, and high-quality animations that lend to a distinctive and cohesive theme,” Apple highlights.
App for iPhone, iPad & Apple Watch by Nicolas Mariniello, Italy
Sunlitt takes solar tracking beyond the basics, allowing users to see the sun’s position and path throughout the day in both augmented-reality and traditional views. Whether you’re a photographer planning a shoot or a gardener curious about optimal sunlight for your plants, the app brings a refreshing way to visualize the hot star’s movement across the sky.
Image via Apple
App for iPhone & Apple Watch by RhythmicWorks Software LLP, India
If you’re looking for a simple app to track your meditation journey, this app might be a good fit. It enables you to easily log your meditation sessions, even if you’re following a program that discourages using devices during meditation. The app provides weekly summaries of your progress and even sets Smart Goals to help you stay motivated on your path to mindfulness.
Images via Apple
App for iPhone & iPad by Things Inc., USA
Rooms, which is vying for its second title in the 2024 Apple Design Award, lets you unleash your inner builder in a collaborative 3D world.
Image via Apple
DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT
Game for iPhone, iPad & Mac by 505 Games, Inc., USA
Cult classic Death Stranding arrives on Apple devices with the Director’s Cut, an expanded version of the genre-bending open world title. You play as Sam Bridges, a courier tasked with reconnecting a fractured America after a supernatural event. Traverse a hauntingly beautiful landscape, manage resources, and build structures to aid yourself and other players in this unique online experience. The Director’s Cut includes new content, graphical improvements for Apple devices, and even crossover items from other popular games.
Game for Mac by NEOWIZ Corporation, South Korea
Lies of P is a dark twist on the classic Pinocchio tale. You take control of Pinocchio, a puppet crafted by Geppetto, who awakens in the ravaged city of Krat. This hauntingly beautiful world, inspired by the Belle Epoque era, is now overrun by monstrous creations and crazed inhabitants. The key to survival lies not only in combat skill, but also in your ability to navigate a web of lies. Will you confront challenges with honesty or weave deceit to get ahead? The choices you make will shape your journey in this unforgiving world.
Image via Apple
Game for iPhone & iPad by COGNOSPHERE PTE. LTD., Singapore
Honkai: Star Rail takes players on a turn-based RPG adventure across the cosmos. Aboard the Astral Express, you’ll encounter unique worlds, a crew of diverse characters, and fight against mysterious threats called Stellaron.
Social Impact
Apps and games selected for the Social Impact category “improve lives in a meaningful way and shine a light on crucial issues,” shares Apple.
App for iPhone by The How We Feel Project, Inc., USA
Designed by a team of scientists, designers, and therapists, How We Feel endeavors to boost emotional intelligence by helping users identify their emotions. Developed with Yale University’s emotional intelligence experts, the app offers tools to track moods, pinpoint triggers, and discover healthy coping mechanisms.
Images via Apple
App for iPhone by ahead solutions GmbH, Germany
Ahead: Emotions Coach seeks to improve emotional intelligence through daily exercises. It targets those who struggle with managing emotions like anger, anxiety, or shyness. The app uses techniques from behavior change science to create a personalized program that promises to help users develop better emotional regulation and communication skills.
Gentler Streak Fitness Tracker
App for iPhone, iPad & Apple Watch by Gentler Stories d.o.o., Slovenia
Forget chasing numbers and daily goals. Gentler Streak is a fitness tracker app that ditches the pressure and prioritizes balance. It analyzes your activity and recovery data to suggest personalized workouts, rest days, and even chill time. This beloved tool focuses on sustainable fitness, guiding you towards a healthier lifestyle that celebrates both exercise and well-being.
Image via Apple
Game for iPhone & iPad by The Pixel Hunt, France
Have you ever felt stuck reliving a bad day? The Wreck explores that concept. This narrative adventure game casts you as Junon, a woman grappling with a traumatic event. The story unfolds through a series of repeating car crashes, challenging you to piece together Junon’s past and guide her choices in the present.
Image via Apple
Game for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV & Apple Vision Pro by MagicFuel Games, USA
Cityscapes: Sim Builder is a city-building game for mobile that puts you in the shoes of a mayor tasked with building a sustainable metropolis. Unlike classic titles, Cityscapes emphasizes balancing a thriving economy with environmental concerns. Players will need to manage pollution caused by industry and traffic, while ensuring citizens have access to housing, jobs, and shops.
Image via Apple
Game for iPhone & iPad by Mucks Games UG (haftungsbeschrnkt), Germany
A hand-drawn, interactive bedtime story designed for all ages, The Bear takes players through the whimsical World of Gra, guiding a bear and a mysterious “little one” across dreamlike planets. The experience focuses on themes of friendship, belonging, and the beauty of the unknown, all brought to life with soft music and a wordless narrative.
So, which of these nominated masterpieces will you be downloading right now?
[via Apple]
