- Apple App Store has millions of apps available for users.
- Every year, Apple honors app and game developers with its prestigious App Store Awards.
- Apple acknowledges and promotes the apps and games that leave a mark on users throughout the year.
Did you know that Apple’s App Store is the second-largest app store, with over 1.6 million iOS apps available? The only app store leading Apple’s App Store is Google Play Store, with 3.55 million apps. The App Store helps creators and consumers of all ages and backgrounds benefit from online tools and information.
Every year, Apple celebrates the best apps and games available on the App Store with its prestigious App Store Awards. These awards showcase the creativity and innovation of developers around the world by recognizing the apps and games that have made a significant impact, offering unique and engaging experiences to users.
From productivity tools and social media apps to thrilling games and educational resources, the App Store Awards highlight the diversity and excellence of the apps and games available on the App Store. This year’s winners demonstrate the continued evolution and growth of the app ecosystem, offering something for everyone.
2022 App Store Award Winners
Apple has been honoring app creators for over a decade. You can check out Apple’s Best Apps of 2020 for a quick recap.
Now, let’s dive into Apple App Store Awards for 2022.
1. iPhone App of the Year: BeReal
BeReal from BeReal is a social media app that encourages users to share candid and authentic glimpses into their daily lives. Each day, the app sends out notifications to users’ friends and family, asking them to take and share a photo within a two-minute time frame. This allows users to get a more realistic view of what their loved ones are doing in the present moment rather than just seeing their polished and curated posts on other platforms.
This app requires iOS 14.0 or later to run. So, whether you have a used iPhone X or a brand-new iPhone 14, you can download and enjoy BeReal.
2. iPad App of the Year: GoodNotes 5
GoodNotes 5 is an app designed by Time Base Technology Limited. Apple has recognized this digital note-taking app for its excellent support for the Apple Pencil. While many similar apps are available, GoodNotes 5 stands out for its top-notch performance with this popular stylus.
3. Mac App of the Year: MacFamilyTree 10
Synium Software GmbH’s MacFamilyTree 10 is an app designed specifically for those interested in researching and documenting their family history. It offers an extensive set of tools, including beautifully designed family trees and the ability to collaborate with relatives globally, to make this hobby more enjoyable and interactive.
4. Apple TV App of the Year: ViX
ViX, from TelevisaUnivision Interactive, Inc., is the winner of this year’s highly coveted and prestigious Apple TV App of the Year award from Apple. This app targets a specific audience by featuring Spanish-language stories as its primary source of entertainment. However, Apple may have chosen ViX for this award not only for its linguistic focus but also for its overall content aggregation skills.
5. Apple Watch App of the Year: Gentler Streak
Gentler Stories LLC’s Gentler Streak is the Apple Watch App of the Year award winner. It is a health-focused app that aims to help users achieve a healthy balance between fitness and rest. Given the current emphasis on work-life balance, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s not surprising that Apple has recognized this app for its efforts to promote a healthier lifestyle.
6. iPhone Game of the Year: Apex Legends Mobile
Electronic Arts have won the coveted iPhone Game of the Year award for Apex Legends Mobile. This is a mobile version of the popular battle royale game that was successful on gaming consoles and computers. This award is highly sought after by app developers, so Electronic Arts is likely thrilled to have won it this year.
The best thing about this game is that it requires iOS 11.0 or later. It means you can efficiently run it on an older iPhone model, like the iPhone 7 or 8. But to get the best gaming experience, you should try running it on more recent devices, like the iPhone 11 or iPhone 13.
7. iPad Game of the Year: Moncage
Apple has recognized the perspective-based puzzle game Moncage from X.D. Network Inc. with the iPad Game of the Year award. This calming and enjoyable game has proven to be a hit, offering players hours of entertainment. This game transports players to a mysterious cube containing various unique worlds on each side, such as an old factory, a light tower, an amusement park, and a church. These worlds may appear random and disconnected at first glance, but upon further exploration, players will discover the subtle and intricate connections between them.
8. Mac Game of the Year: Inscryption
Inscryption from Devolver is a tribute to video games incorporating card-based gameplay, escape room-style puzzles and psychological horror elements. It is said to be a “mind-melting self-destructing love letter” to the medium.
9. Apple TV Game of the Year: El Hijo
El Hijo, developed by HandyGames, is a stealth game that has received recognition from Apple for its impressive graphics on 4K TVs when played through the Apple TV platform. In addition to its visually appealing design, the game also offers challenging gameplay elements.
10. Apple Arcade Game of the Year: Wylde Flowers
Wylde Flowers from Studio Drydock Pty Limited offers a charming, Nintendo-like experience, inviting players into a delightful world filled with a variety of characters, magical spells, and gardening. The game has a unique and engaging atmosphere.
11. China Game of the Year: League of Legends Esports Manager
Apple has selected League of Legends Esports Manager, a game developed by a Chinese company, Shenzhen Tencent Tianyou Technology Ltd. This game has been chosen for its innovative approach to esports management. The game allows players to take on the role of a manager for influential esports leagues worldwide. This recognition highlights the growing popularity and significance of esports on a global scale.
Final Thoughts
The App Store Awards celebrate the best apps and games of the year, recognizing developers’ hard work and creativity. This year’s App Store Award winners showcase the diversity and excellence of the apps and games available on the App Store, offering something for every user.
From productivity tools to games and educational resources, these awards highlight the continued growth and evolution of the app ecosystem. The App Store Awards are a testament to the innovative and engaging experiences that developers can create, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for the app industry.
You can access all these apps on your latest iPhone 14 used, 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation), and other devices. These apps also run on older models, so if you don’t have a compatible device, you can buy used iPhones to access these fun apps and games.
