2022 APP STORE AWARDS

Announcing the App Store Award Winners

The best apps and games of the year.

For over a decade, the App Store editorial team has taken a moment at the end of the year to celebrate the very best apps and games. We’ve heralded the work of individual self-taught developers and huge international teams.

With so many wonderful apps on the App Store all over the world, selecting just a few award winners is no easy task. As always, we focus on technical innovation, user experience, and design. Then we consider the impact these apps have had on our lives.

It’s our honor to celebrate this year’s winners. Enjoy!

See the year’s best games and apps in action! (Tap the icon on the bottom right to toggle sound.) Some content may not be available in all areas.

iPhone App of the Year: BeReal

A social media sensation that gave us an authentic look into the lives of our friends and family.

iPhone Game of the Year: Apex Legends Mobile

This thoughtfully reengineered groundbreaking battle royale is its best version to date.

iPad App of the Year: GoodNotes 5

With best-in-class Apple Pencil support and powerful collaboration tools, the gold standard of digital note-taking got even better.

iPad Game of the Year: Moncage

A stunningly fresh spin on mobile puzzling that expanded our minds and got us thinking in thrilling new ways.

Mac App of the Year: MacFamilyTree

We loved documenting and visualizing our family history with this comprehensive genealogy app.

Mac Game of the Year: Inscryption

The surprises never stop in this deep deck-building adventure.

Apple Watch App of the Year: Gentler Streak

A fitness tracker that encouraged us to tune in to our bodies—and take a rest when we needed.

Apple TV App of the Year: ViX

A Spanish-language streamer that brought together the drama we love and the sports that get our hearts pumping.

Apple TV Game of the Year: El Hijo

We loved how this spirited stealth adventure values brains over brawn—and looks stunning on the big screen.

Arcade Game of the Year: Wylde Flowers

With remarkably authentic diversity, this life sim’s idyllic world makes free expression (and casting spells) incredibly fun.

Cultural Impact Winners:

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Dot’s Home

Shining a spotlight on historical injustices through a compelling time-travel tale.

How We Feel

Helping us engage more deeply with our emotions—and providing strategies for addressing them in the moment.

Inua

Honoring the heritage of the Inuit, whose folklore gives this breathtaking tale its beating heart.

Locket Widget

Bringing friends and family closer by helping us see the small moments we otherwise might miss.

Waterllama

Encouraging everyone to stay hydrated through a winning combination of gentle guidance and adorable characters.

Read about the 2022 winners