Apple announced the winners and finalists of the 2025 Apple Design Awards, with six awards recognizing one app and game respectively. A total of 12 apps and game content won awards. These winners were selected from 36 finalists from around the world, and each presented their outstanding design experience in different forms of apps and games.
The six awards this time are Fun Experience, Innovative Thinking, Interactive Communication, Diversity and Inclusion, Social Impact, and Visual Arts. The selected apps and games correspond to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, or visionOS platforms respectively.
“Developers continue to push boundaries to create apps and games that are not only beautifully designed but also profoundly impactful,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “We’re excited to celebrate this incredible group of winners and finalists at WWDC and spotlight the innovation and ingenuity they bring to every experience.”
The selected apps and games are as follows:
Fun experience
The award's winners and finalists used Apple technology to deliver memorable, highly engaging, and satisfying experiences.
• App:CapWords
• Developer: HappyPlan Tech (China)
CapWords is a dynamic language learning tool that transforms images of everyday objects into interactive stickers, helping learners explore new words in a more intuitive and visual way. Available in nine languages, the app is an engaging way to learn, allowing users to immerse themselves in their surroundings and engage in self-directed learning.
• game:Balatro
• Developer: LocalThunk (Canada)
Balatro is a satisfying blend of poker, solitaire, and deckbuilding, with roguelike elements. Players combine playing cards and joker cards, each with its own unique function, to create unique synergies. Known for its ingenious details and captivating gameplay, Balatro challenges players to craft unique decks to overcome intricate level mechanics, boost their scores, and achieve victory.
The finalists in this category are Raja V's Lumy, Feel Good Tech's Denim, Panic's Thank Goodness You're Here!, and Ubisoft Montpellier's Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.
Innovative Thinking
By innovatively leveraging Apple technology, the winners and finalists in this category delivered cutting-edge experiences that stood out in their respective creative categories.
• App:Play
• Developer: Rabbit 3 Times (USA)
Play is a sophisticated yet accessible tool for creating interactive prototypes using the SwiftUI framework. Its user interface is thoughtfully designed, powerful yet easy to use, helping designers create interactive prototypes and collaborate across Mac and iPhone, all in real-time, allowing creativity to flow smoothly.
• game:PBJ — The Musical
• Developer: Philipp Stollenmayer (Germany)
PBJ — The Musical is a dim sum-themed Shakespearean adaptation. This charming game tells the story of Romeo and Juliet through a variety of condiments. PBJ creatively combines rhythm-action gameplay, storytelling, and a captivating soundtrack. With tactile feedback, clever cinematography, and playful dialogue, this game is fun from the start.
The finalists in this category are "Moises" by Music.AI, "Capybara" by Digital Workroom Ltd, "Pawz" by Bootloader Studio Holdings Private Limited, and "Gears & Goo" by Resolution Games AB.
Interactive communication
The winners and finalists in this category offer intuitive interfaces tailored for the platform and effortless controls.
• App:Taobao
• Developer: Zhejiang Taobao Network (China)
Taobao offers a convenient and engaging shopping experience on Apple Vision Pro, showcasing stunningly realistic 3D models that are virtually indistinguishable from physical goods. This immersive experience elevates the way users shop, taking into account layout, controls, size, and functionality, while allowing users to compare items from a rich selection.
• game:DREDGE
• Developer: Black Salt Games (New Zealand)
DREDGE combines a slow-burn thriller with exploration and adventure. Players control a fishing boat, navigating eerie islands and discovering bizarre wildlife while piecing together a chilling mystery. This game offers fluid interaction and a fascinating world filled with hidden treasures on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
The finalists in this category are iA Writer by Information Architects AG, Mela – Recipe Manager by Silvio Rizzi, Gears & Goo by Resolution Games AB, and Skate City: New York by Snowman.
Diversity and Inclusion
The winners and finalists in this category provide great experiences for everyone by supporting people from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and languages.
• App:Speechify
• Developer: Speechify (USA)
With support for hundreds of voices across over 50 languages, Speechify is a powerful tool for easily converting text to audio. Designed with accessibility in mind, with features like dynamic text size and voice-over, this app is a valuable resource not only for those with dyslexia, ADHD, and low vision, but also for anyone who learns best through listening.
• game:Art of Fauna
• Developer: Klemens Strasser (Austria)
Art of Fauna is a beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully designed puzzle game, incorporating retro-style wildlife imagery and reflecting a deep commitment to inclusivity and conservation. Players can solve puzzles by rearranging visual elements or reordering narrative text, creating unique interactive gameplay. With voice-over support and haptic feedback, accessibility is deeply integrated into the overall design.
Finalists in this category are GTA Solutions' Evolve, Train Fitness' Train Fitness, Lykke Studios' puffies., and Split Atom Labs' Land of Livia.
Social Impact
The winners and finalists in this category improve lives and highlight important issues in meaningful ways.
• App:Watch Duty
• Developer: Sherwood Forestry Service (USA)
During the devastating wildfires in Southern California, Watch Duty once again became a lifeline, providing real-time updates, evacuation information, and vital resources in a clear and reliable manner. The app reports information such as the extent and progress of fires, wind speed and direction, and evacuation orders.
• game:Neva
• Developer: Developer Digital (USA)
Visually stunning and emotionally powerful, Neva is an action-adventure story about a young woman and her wolf companion, who embark on a journey through a beautiful, decaying world. As the seasons change, so too does their relationship: a quiet meditation on care, connection, and the toll of environmental destruction. Focusing on themes of friendship and leadership, players guide this duo through breathtaking landscapes, unfolding a story that is both timely and moving.
Finalists in this category are Snapwise's "Ground News," Opal OS's "Opal," Picardy by Daniel Jones's "Ahoy!", and Klemens Strasser's "Art of Fauna."
Visual Arts
Winners in this category create stunning visuals, beautifully drawn interfaces, and high-quality animations, resulting in unique and cohesive themes.
• App:Feather: Draw in 3D
• Developer: Sketchsoft (South Korea)
This drawing tool allows users to transform 2D designs into 3D masterpieces. Focusing on creativity and user experience, Feather makes it easy for users of all skill levels to create advanced 3D modeling designs on iPad. Through touch and Apple Pencil interaction, it helps users turn their imagination into reality.
• game:Infinity Nikki
• Developer: Infold Games (Singapore)
With its fantastical world filled with magical colors, details, and rendering effects, Infinity Nikki is a true visual feast. In this heartwarming open-world adventure, players are challenged to collect wondrous items, filled with magical costumes, fantastical creatures, and unexpected surprises.
Finalists in this category are "Vocabulary" by Monkey Taps, "CellWalk" by Timothy Davison, "Control Ultimate Edition" by Remedy Entertainment PLC, and "Neva" by Developer Digital.
