According to 9to5Mac, Apple has just revealed the 45 finalists for the 2025 App Store Awards across multiple platform categories. The nominations span iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Cultural Impact categories, with winners scheduled to be announced in December. Carson Oliver, Apple’s head of App Store Worldwide, stated that these developers were selected for creating “exceptional experiences” that inspire creativity and productivity. The finalists were handpicked by Apple’s App Store editors specifically for apps and games that help users accomplish more and push creative boundaries. This annual recognition highlights what Apple considers the best software experiences across its ecosystem as we approach the end of 2025.
What this means for developers
Getting nominated for an App Store Award is basically the equivalent of winning an Oscar in the app world. It’s huge. For smaller developers, this kind of recognition can completely transform their business overnight. We’re talking about massive visibility boosts, potential featuring on the App Store front page, and that sweet, sweet social proof that makes users more likely to download.
But here’s the thing – Apple‘s choices here tell us a lot about what they value in the ecosystem right now. They’re clearly pushing the “creativity and productivity” angle hard across iPhone, iPad, and Mac categories. And the fact that they have separate Vision Pro categories now shows they’re serious about establishing that platform. It’s not just about which apps make the most money – it’s about which ones align with Apple’s vision of what computing should be.
The cultural impact factor
I find the Cultural Impact category particularly interesting. Apple’s basically saying “hey, we care about apps that do good in the world.” It’s smart PR, but it also reflects how apps have become embedded in our social fabric. These aren’t just tools anymore – they’re platforms for community, education, and social change.
And let’s be real – getting that Cultural Impact nomination probably feels pretty damn good for the developers involved. It’s one thing to build a successful business, but another to be recognized for making a positive difference. That’s the kind of stuff that keeps developers motivated through all the App Store review headaches.
Looking ahead to December
So what happens now? We wait until December for the big reveal. The suspense is part of the marketing magic, of course. Apple gets to keep these apps in the spotlight for weeks, which benefits everyone involved.
Personally, I’m curious to see how the Vision Pro categories shake out. That platform’s still finding its footing, and the winners here could signal where Apple thinks spatial computing should be heading. Will it be productivity apps? Games? Something completely unexpected?
One thing’s for sure – for the winners, this is going to be a career-defining moment. And for users, it’s a curated list of what Apple considers the absolute best experiences available. You can check out the full list of finalists on Apple’s Newsroom and follow the conversation on 9to5Mac’s Twitter or their YouTube channel.
