Apple reveals best apps of the year for iPhone, iPad and MacBook

The yearly, and hugely prestigious, App Store Awards have just taken place in New York with Apple crowning its iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch and Apple TV winners from thousands of entries. Coveted gongs, chosen by the App Store’s Editorial team, including iPhone App of the Year, iPad App of the Year and Mac App of the Year have been dished out during the event in the Big Apple with this year’s winners including developers from across the world.

“It’s inspiring to see the ways developers continue to build incredible apps and games that are redefining the world around us,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “This year’s winners represent the limitless potential of developers to bring their visions to life, creating apps and games with remarkable ingenuity, exceptional quality, and purpose-driven missions.”

So who are the winners and what apps do you need to install on your devices?

Coming out on top for iPhone is the AllTrails application which offers users comprehensive trail guides from across the entire globe. The software allows you to find areas off the beaten track and even features filters to make sure the activities are suitable for your levels of fitness.

Next up it’s Prêt-à-Makeup which won best iPad app. This creative package lets users produce true-to-life makeup designs via their tablets with over 700 virtual beauty products available at the touch of a button.

If you want the best app for your MacBook then Photomator is Apple’s top choice. This very clever app offers instant retouching of images without any hassle. Using AI you can remove objects, boost colours and add HDR effects without needing any photo editing skills.

Those who love gaming might want to try Honkai: Star Rail (best iPhone Game of the Year), Lost in Play (best iPad Game or the Year) or Lies of P (Best Mac Game of the Year).

Here are the 2023 App Store Award Winners

• iPhone App of the Year: AllTrails, from AllTrails, Inc.

• iPad App of the Year: Prêt-à-Makeup, from Prêt-à-Template.

• Mac App of the Year: Photomator, from UAB Pixelmator Team.

• Apple TV App of the Year: MUBI, from MUBI, Inc.

• Apple Watch App of the Year: SmartGym, from Mateus Abras.

• iPhone Game of the Year: Honkai: Star Rail, from COGNOSPHERE PTE. LTD.

• iPad Game of the Year: Lost in Play, from Snapbreak Games.

• Mac Game of the Year: Lies of P, from NEOWIZ.

• Apple Arcade Game of the Year: Hello Kitty Island Adventure, from Sunblink.

In addition to recognising the best apps and games on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV, Apple’s App Store Editors also selected five Cultural Impact winners. These include Pok Pok, Proloquo, Too Good To Go and Unpacking.

These apps were all chosen for their ability to drive positive change. For example, Too Good To Go puts consumers in touch with shops wanting to get rid of perishable food produce whilst Pok Pok is a calming game for children that’s been designed to be less addictive to play.

Apple’s App Store, which launched all the way back 2008, continues to drive huge revenues for developers making software for the US firm’s range of gadgets. It’s now home to 1.8 million apps with some 650 million people visiting it every week.