Alongside the official WWDC 2026 lineup, Apple has shared the list of 36 apps and games it selected as finalists for the Apple Design Awards this year. It's an annual ceremony where Apple recognizes "innovation, ingenuity, and technical advancement" in app and game design across different categories.
Here are the shortlisted apps across six categories:
According to Apple, the apps and games picked for the Delight and Fun category provide memorable, engaging, and satisfying experiences.
| Delight and Fun | |
|---|---|
| Apps | Games |
| Blippo+ | PowerWash Simulator |
| Metaballs | Is This Seat Taken? |
| grug | Ball x Pit |
Apps and games picked for the Inclusivity category offer a "great experience for all by reflecting a variety of backgrounds, abilities, and languages."
| Inclusivity | |
|---|---|
| Apps | Games |
| Guitar Wiz | Sago Mini Jinja’s Garden |
| Hearing Buddy | Pine Hearts |
| Structured |
Civilization VII |
Apps and games picked for the Innovation category offer a "state‑of‑the‑art experience through a novel use of Apple technologies that sets them apart in their genre."
| Innovation | |
|---|---|
| Apps | Games |
| Detail: AI Video Editor | TR-49 |
| NBA: Live Games & Scores | Blue Prince |
| D-Day: The Camera Soldier | Pickle Pro |
Apps and games in the Interaction category provide "intuitive interfaces and effortless controls that are perfectly tailored to their platform."
| Interaction | |
|---|---|
| Apps | Games |
| The Outsiders: Athlete Tracker | TR-49 |
| Moonlitt: Moon Phase Tracker | Sago Mini Jinja’s Garden |
| Tide Guide: Charts & Tables | Grand Mountain Adventure 2 |
Apple thinks that apps and games picked for the Social Impact category improve users' lives in a meaningful way and highlight crucial issues.
| Social Impact | |
|---|---|
| Apps | Games |
| Primary: News in Depth | Consume Me |
| Katha Room | Despelote |
| Harvee | Spilled! |
Apple has picked those apps and games for the Visual and Graphics category that feature "stunning imagery, skillfully drawn interfaces, and high-quality animations with a distinctive and cohesive theme."
| Visuals and Graphics | |
|---|---|
| Apps | Games |
| Tide Guide: Charts & Tables | Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition |
|
Caradise |
Arknights: Endfield |
|
(Not Boring) Camera |
SILT |
Interestingly, you'll find several names across multiple categories, including Tide Guide: Charts & Tables, TR-49, and Sago Mini Jinja's Garden. Apple said that it will announce the winners for each of these categories in the coming weeks, possibly close to the WWDC 2026 developer event, which is scheduled to start on June 8. In the meantime, you can download the finalists from the App Store using this link.
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