Top Apps of 2024? Apple Has Got Its Own List of Chart Toppers

Every year, smartphone users download a plethora of new apps to try out. Some stick and become a regular part of their everyday routine, others just kill time on the phone until they are deleted to clear up space for other apps. Apple’s Top Apps for 2024 gives us a good sense of what applications have worked this year, and what has fueled their popularity.

The list also reminds users that its store is filled with experiences for everyone, whether you’re a gamer or a professional daydreamer. The best iPhone apps for 2024 cover a range of different genres, from task management to photo editing, and the final list isn’t just meant for the iPhone. 

The announcement includes top apps for Apple users across different devices, so if you want something new for your Macbook or need an app to make your Apple Vision Pro purchase worthwhile, then these are Apple’s recommendations for apps that have captivated its audiences worldwide.

Finalists for Apple’s Top Apps in 2024—Did Your Favorites Make the List?

“Every year, Apple honors the very best apps and games of the year through the App Store Awards — a recognition of exceptional user experience, design, and innovation from developers across the world,” Apple said in its announcement, and it’s true. Some of these apps from the iPhone maker’s list last year have become a staple for many of us and this year’s finalists will likely achieve the same success.

The App Store Awards for 2024 include a list of 45 different apps that stand out in 12 categories, and the winners in each category will be announced in the coming weeks. We’ll keep our eyes out for the list of winners, but it’s still interesting to see what the competition looks like.

Let’s get to know the finalists a little bit better.

Finalists for iPhone App of the Year 

The iPhone has been Apple’s primary product line for over a decade, and it remains the platform where its customers look for, and use, the full range of apps the most. The company’s finalists for the best iPhone apps in 2024 include three top names.

• Kino: A camera app from Lux that allows users to record and edit cinematic videos to use as customers desire. 
• Runna: With a 4.9 rating, the Runna app is designed to help runners develop a personalized training plan to achieve their activity goals.
• Tripsy: A travel planning app, Tripsy is a one-stop shop for all the travel-related organizations you need for your trip, from planning out the itinerary to tracking expenses. 

Finalist for iPhone Game of the Year

Smartphone gaming is always a fast-moving category with multiple app releases every year, so it’s clear why there’s a specific App Store award for top apps for Apple users to consider. 

• AFK Journey: A fantasy RPG app that you might have seen ads for everywhere, this is an app for gamers who like world-building and exploring lore. 
• The WereCleaner: This “stealth-comedy” gaming app follows the journey of a werewolf janitor who has to clean up messes as quickly as possible in absurd scenarios. It’s a fun game and it has received much love from enthralled smartphone gamers.
• Zenless Zone Zero: A Hoyoverse app is to be expected in the gaming category and this time, Zenless Zone Zero has captivated audiences with its unique combat system and unique graphics. The 3.9 rating is not the best look, but it still has an extensive ecosystem of gaming for those who like to commit to the long haul.

Finalists for iPad App of the Year 

Turning to the iPad, there are a couple of apps that have received recognition for making a mark on the user base. It also includes an app for kids, which is another category that has grown in strength over the years.

• Bluey: Let’s Play: The Australian show Bluey has captivated the attention of children everywhere and the app allows them to enter the world of these anthropomorphic dogs and explore their imagination as they play along.
• Moises: This AI-supported app allows musicians to separate the vocals from the instruments in any song. This makes it easier to isolate the notes and learn the chords or create alternate backing tracks. 
• Procreate Dreams: A well-known name among creatives, the app allows users to “create rich 2D animations, expressive videos, and breathtaking stories.” Simplifying animation and providing the tools needed to bring an idea to life, Procreate Dreams is a great app for artists and other creators.

Finalists for iPad Game of the Year 

It’s no surprise that the iPad also offers a collection of gaming opportunities to its users. The games in this list have a lot of fast-moving parts and elaborate storytelling that promises to keep users engaged. 

• Assassin’s Creed Mirage: There’s no need to introduce this game series as it has a long, successful history to boast of. Available for the traditional PlayStation and Xbox consoles, this can also be played on the iPad.
• Disney Speedstorm: A Disney hero-based battle racing game by Gameloft, this app has largely fallen under the radar despite its fun gameplay and collection of well-loved characters.
• Squad Busters: A brightly colored multi-player experience, Squad Busters is another game that takes characters from other popular Supercell titles to battle it out with other players to gather the most gems and build Ultra characters.

Image: Sonic Dream Team

Finalists for Apple Arcade Game of the Year 

The App Store Awards for 2024 also have a separate category of games that are available for free via the Arcade subscription service.

• Balatro+: Balatro’s arrival on mobile has been much talked about this year. The Poker-themed roguelike deckbuilder includes some unique gameplay and is so addictive that it’s a top contender for app of the year.
• Outlanders 2: Town-builder games are a unique category of gaming that provides hours and hours of content that you can play as passively or actively as you want. If you’ve ever wanted to be a leader without having to face the pressures of it in the real world, this is a good game for you.
• Sonic Dream Team: Sonic returns once more with his squad of familiar faces, working to race through hurdles to eventually defeat the boss, Dr. Crabulous. 

Finalists for Mac App of the Year 

Moving away from the iPad and iPhone must-have apps for 2024, we now have the top apps you can find for the desktop. These apps reflect the kind of tools that you are likely to find useful in your day-to-day routine of tasks and responsibilities.

• Adobe Lightroom: A staple for any creative who is required to edit images and work on developing photos, Lightroom has spent years holding its position at the top of its category.
• OmniFocus 4: A task management software for professionals, the app provides an easy way for users to organize their projects and stay on track with all of their work in one place with the promise of end-to-end encryption.
• Shapr3D: Working on 3D models is no easy task but the app provides a way for everyone from hobbyists to professionals to turn their design ideas into more structured models.

Finalists for Mac Game of the Year 

Do you ever play games on your Mac? It’s not a category we usually consider, but now might be a great time to start PC gaming with the nominations of Apple’s top apps for 2024.

• Frostpunk 2: This is another world-building game but one that’s set in an icy post-apocalyptic landscape. The 45$ title has some great effects and an immersive atmosphere that can keep gamers hooked.
• Stray: Keeping with the futuristic theme but through a cyberpunk lens, this game takes you on a journey from the perspective of a stray cat in a neon-lit world. 
• Thank Goodness You’re Here!: Another unique game for players to consider, the story allows gamers to play the role of a traveling salesman who is tasked with odd jobs to help the eccentric residents of the fictional town of Barnsworth.

Image: Stray

Finalists for Apple Watch App of the Year 

Yes, you heard correctly, we also have a category of the best apps designed for the Apple Watch. If you’re using your smartwatch to only track your steps, then you’re not letting your fancy Apple Watch live up to its full potential.

• LookUp: An English dictionary app powered by Oxford English Dictionary for those who want to expand their vocabulary, this app is a great tool to keep around.
• Lumy: If you want to stay “in tune with the sun,” Lumy is a neat way to track the weather or check when the best time for your next photoshoot is going to be.
• Watch to 5K: Another helpful tool for aspiring runners, the app promises to help users train to run 5k in 9 weeks with just your Apple Watch. 

Finalists for Apple Vision Pro App of the Year 

A new category for Apple users to ponder over, the Cupertino company has also announced its finalists for the apps that have made the best use of the Vision Pro headset’s spatial computing powers.

• JigSpace: Creating 3D models is one thing but viewing it on a computer screen doesn’t provide a complete view of the work. JigSpace provides a very interactive way to view 3D and augmented reality models.
• NBA: Taking the experience of watching sports to the next level, allowing those with a subscription to watch over 5 broadcasts live, the NBA app is a top pick for sports fans.
• What If…? An Immersive Story: Marvel already has a huge fan following, and this app allows users to be transported into its cinematic world through the mixed reality and virtual reality experience.

Finalists for Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year 

Next for the Apple Vision Pro, we have the gaming category finalists as well. These apps explore the next stage of gaming where we move away from flat monitors and screens to a more expansive experience.

• Loóna: Everyone can do a little bit of de-stressing after a long day at work, and to cater to that need, this app provides a collection of spatial puzzles with which to relax.
• THRASHER: Arcade Odyssey: Submerging users in an alien world, the psychedelic-themed game allows players to navigate the strange world physically and fight to survive.
• Vacation Simulator: If you want to go on vacation from the comfort of your home, the game allows users to arrive at different destinations and interact with the unique characters that populate its virtual world.

Finalists for Apple TV App of the Year 

The Apple TV service also gets its own category of top apps that are customized for the platform. 

• DROPOUT By CollegeHumor: If you are looking for humorous content that can add some joy to your day, this is a great place to find something both original and funny.
• F1 TV: Netflix might have hooked everyone on to F1 with its drama-fueled Drive to Survive series, but for more in-depth reality-based content on Formula 1 racing, this is the best place to be.
• Zoom: The pandemic-era superstar gets a nice shoutout on Apple’s list of top apps of 2024, for its role in “keeping groups connected in innovative ways.”

Image: Apple

Finalists for Tops Apps with a Cultural Impact 

Apple’s final category of the best apps is the longest one, giving credit to multiple apps that have created a difference in the lives of its customers. No, Bluesky didn’t make it to the iOS list, but we still have an expansive list of apps that have made a mark this year.

• Arco – Tactical Action RPG: This story-based gaming app has been recognized by Apple for “letting players shape their own story.”
• The Bear: The interactive game has received appreciation for providing a relaxing experience for users at bedtime.
• BetterSleep: Having a sleep routine is one of the best changes you can make in your daily schedule and this app is designed to simplify the process.
• Brawl Stars: Whether you prefer PvP or PvE gaming, this battle-type game has something for everyone.
• DailyArt: Celebrating art and all of the many artists who have made an impact on the world, DailyArt is a great way to learn more about art history.
• Do You Really Want to Know 2: HIV is an ailment that is extremely feared and misunderstood, but this top app provides a way to address the misconceptions through stories.
• EF Hello: Duolingo isn’t the only language learning app on the market and it’s time we acknowledge that by appreciating the other ones making a difference to the daily lives of users.
• NYT Games: Wordle was a turning point in word game history, and the growing number of NYT games shows just how interested users are in the daily-play format of puzzles.
• Oko: Navigating the physical world is not always easy, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar location, which is why the Oko app gets a place on the list for “making street-crossing safer and more accessible to all.”
• Partiful: If you love hosting events and going all out when you do, Partiful provides a fun way to organize and announce these plans.
• Pinterest: Possibly the best app to seek inspiration for many, Pinterest has long been a top app for designing mood boards and putting concepts together.
• The Wreck: A 3D visual novel that tells us about the highs and lows of being human, the app is an intimate narrative that takes us through the life of the 36-year-old protagonist Junon.

The winners of Apple’s Top Apps in 2024 will be announced in the coming weeks, but if you’re interested in picking your own winner, why not give them all a shot and tell us which ones deserve the title the most out of the finalists?