Best apps and games of 2025

Apple editors name annual App Store Awards finalists

- ALEX SUMMERSBY

EACH YEAR, APPLE'S App Store Awards celebrate apps from around the world that are improving people’s lives and exemplify the very best in technical innovation, user experience, and design. Here are the finalists for 2025, with the winners to be announced soon.

IPHONE APP OF THE YEAR

> BandLab, for helping musicians record and mix tracks with a community.

> LADDER, for taking the guesswork out of strength training.

> Tiimo, for presenting to-dos in a way that feels a bit more calming.

IPHONE GAME OF THE YEAR

> Capybara Go!, for taking players on a quirky adventure as a lovable critter.

> Pokémon TCG Pocket, for making collecting and playing legendary Pokémon cards even better.

> Thronefall, for combining thrilling defense battles with minimalist controls.

IPAD APP OF THE YEAR

> Detail, for redefining the content creation workflow.