Although ChatGPT currently holds the top spot on the U.S. iPhone App Store, it wasn't named Apple’s iPhone App of the Year. That distinction was awarded to Kino, a new app for videographers introduced this spring by Lux, the creators of the professional photography app Halide. Kino enhances mobile video recording with in-app tutorials and features, enabling iPhone users to maximize their camera’s potential.
Kino was among three finalists for the App Store’s top award, alongside Runna, an app for customizing running plans, and Tripsy, a travel organization tool. Notably, AI-powered apps didn’t make the cut for iPhone app finalists, reflecting Apple’s tendency to downplay the influence of AI—a technology that has profoundly impacted mobile users since the inception of the iPhone and the App Store.
However, AI was still recognized in other categories. Adobe Lightroom, with its AI-powered features, won Mac App of the Year, while Moises, an AI tool for musicians, earned iPad App of the Year. These apps emphasize creative, human-centric endeavors, aligning more closely with Apple’s vision of showcasing tools for artistic professionals rather than fully AI-driven solutions like chatbots.
Other app winners included Lumy as Apple Watch App of the Year, F1 TV as Apple TV App of the Year, and Disney’s What If…? An Immersive Story as Apple Vision Pro App of the Year.
In the gaming category, winners included AFK Journey (iPhone Game of the Year), Squad Busters by Supercell (iPad Game of the Year), Thank Goodness You’re Here! by Panic (Mac Game of the Year), THRASHER: Arcade Odyssey by Puddle (Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year), and Balatro+ by Playstack Ltd. (Apple Arcade Game of the Year).
Apple’s App Store editors also recognized six apps for their cultural impact: Oko, which aids navigation for blind and low-vision users; EF Hello, a language-learning app; DailyArt, an art discovery tool; NYT Games; The Wreck, a cinematic narrative game; and Do You Really Want to Know 2, an educational app for individuals living with HIV.
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