Celebrating Excellence in the 2024 Apple Design Awards

Announced in December 2024, the Apple Design Awards celebrate the creativity, ingenuity, and technical prowess of the app and game development community. These awards are more than just a year-end highlight – they set the stage for taking these standout apps and games into 2025 and beyond. Spanning seven categories, the awards honour exceptional contributions that blend technology with meaningful, delightful, and impactful user experiences. Here, we explore the winners who have set new benchmarks in app and game design. 

Delight and fun: Sparking joy through technology 

Winners

Bears Gratitude by Isuru Wanasinghe, Australia, is a charming journaling app available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It encourages users to build a daily gratitude practice through an irresistibly cute interface featuring cuddly bears. The whimsical characters aren’t just eye candy – they’re thoughtfully integrated into the app to make self-reflection feel approachable and engaging. 

NYT Games by The New York Times Company, USA, has solidified its place as a staple of modern puzzle gaming. Beyond its classic crosswords, it has evolved to include captivating new offerings like Connections, a game designed for replayability and engaging social conversations. The app’s continuous innovation keeps players hooked and talking. 

Finalists included Rooms by Things, Inc., USA, and Hello Kitty Island Adventure by Sunblink Entertainment LLC, USA, among others, showcasing a diverse range of fun experiences. 

Inclusivity: Designing for everyone 

Winners

oko by AYES, Belgium, uses haptic and audio feedback to assist pedestrians with low or no vision. The app’s flawless integration of VoiceOver and Dynamic Type underscores its life-saving potential, making it an indispensable tool for safe navigation. 

Crayola Adventures by RED GAMES CO, LLC, USA, goes beyond conventional games to set a benchmark in inclusivity. With its robust character creation options, it celebrates diversity by accommodating various skin tones, abilities, and pronouns. Add in narration for non-readers and a wide range of activities, and it’s a colourful, inclusive delight for all ages. 

Finalists such as Complete Anatomy 2024 by Elsevier and Tiimo by tiimo ApS highlighted the global effort to make apps more inclusive. 

Innovation: Pushing the boundaries 

Winners

Procreate Dreams by Savage Interactive Pty Ltd, Australia, revolutionises 2D animation on iPad. It combines intuitive controls with Apple Pencil’s precision, empowering users to create professional animations effortlessly. Whether you’re a seasoned animator or a beginner, this app turns creative visions into reality. 

Lost in Play by Happy Juice Games, Israel, brings a graphic novel to life. Its richly imaginative world, quirky characters, and engaging mini-games make it an enchanting experience for all ages. With intuitive gameplay and handcrafted visuals, it’s a game worth diving into. 

Finalists included innovative apps like Copilot Money by Copilot Money, Inc., and Wavelength by Palm Court LLC, underscoring the diversity of technological achievements. 

Interaction: Seamlessly connecting people and technology 

Winners

Crouton by Devin Davies, New Zealand, transforms recipe management with a clean, intuitive interface. From organising grocery lists to guiding users through step-by-step cooking instructions, Crouton is a must-have companion in the kitchen, even for novice chefs. 

Rytmos by Floppy Club ApS, Denmark, merges rhythm and puzzle gaming into a visually and sonically delightful experience. Players create pathways using drag gestures, building layers of music with each solved puzzle. Its simple yet engaging interactions make it a standout. 

Finalists like Arc Search by The Browser Company of New York and finity. by Seabaa, Inc. demonstrated the art of crafting seamless user experiences. 

Social Impact: Changing lives for the better 

Winners

Gentler Streak Fitness Tracker by Gentler Stories d.o.o., Slovenia, takes a holistic approach to fitness, balancing physical and mental well-being. With a gentle design language and a focus on progress rather than perfection, it’s a refreshing take on health tracking. 

The Wreck by The Pixel Hunt, France, is a poignant visual novel exploring themes of grief, family, and survival. Its emotional depth and masterful storytelling invite players to reflect on life’s difficult choices. 

Finalists such as How We Feel by The How We Feel Project and Cityscapes: Sim Builder by MagicFuel Games offered meaningful contributions to social impact. 

Visuals and Graphics: A Feast for the eyes 

Winners

Rooms by Things, Inc., USA, is a creative haven with a nostalgic 8-bit aesthetic. This hybrid platform combines gaming, scene-building, and social interaction, with every detail lovingly crafted to evoke a sense of retro charm. 

Lies of P by NEOWIZ Corporation, South Korea, brings a dark twist to a classic tale. With stunning visuals, detailed lighting, and customisation options, this game is a technical masterpiece for Mac. 

Finalists such as Meditate by RhythmicWorks Software LLP and Honkai: Star Rail by COGNOSPHERE PTE. LTD. added their own visual flair to the competition. 

Spatial Computing: Pioneering the future 

Winners

djay by Algoriddim GmbH, Germany, reinvents the DJ experience on Apple Vision Pro. With interactive turntables and immersive environments, it creates a flow state for music lovers and professionals alike. 

Blackbox by Shapes and Stories, USA, extends its innovative puzzles into the realm of spatial computing. Its surprises and clever details encourage players to explore every corner of the virtual space. 

Finalists like Sky Guide by Fifth Star Labs and Synth Riders by Kluge Strategic Inc. showcased the potential of spatial computing. 

Distilled 

The 2024 Apple Design Awards, remind us of the transformative power of thoughtful design and cutting-edge technology. These apps and games not only push boundaries but also make life more inclusive, enjoyable, and meaningful for millions worldwide. As we step into 2025, these innovations will continue to inspire and shape our digital experiences. Congratulations to the winners and finalists for their outstanding achievements!