The 6 Best Apps of the Year, According to Apple

Selected by its App Store editors, the apps span across Apple’s six big devices.

Blue app store icon with a stylized white "A" on a blue gradient background.

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Published December 4, 2025

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Two weeks ago, Apple revealed the finalists for its annual App Store Awards, which highlight the best apps and games, as determined by its App Store editors, across its big six devices: iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Vision Pro.

And now Apple has crowned the winning apps.

According to Apple’s press release, each of the winning apps “delivered remarkable experiences that empowered users to achieve more, bring their ideas to life, and immerse themselves in stunning worlds.”

Below, we’ve highlighted each of the App Store Award-winning apps.

The Best iPhone App: Tiimo

Smartphone screen showing a task management app with a conversation about adjusting the day and a list of tasks for tomorrow including exercise, rowing, lymphatic jumps, morning exercise, and breakfast. — Tiimno takes the title of best iPhone app of the year.

Developer: tiimo
Price: Free (with paid subscription)

Tiimo is a visual planner and calendar app for the neurodivergent community, including people with ADHD or autism. It’s designed to help them manage time and complete tasks. It also works with Live Activities, bringing the content to a person’s Lock Screen.

Apple says: “Tiimo offers users an impressive visual planner and thoughtfully implemented AI that turns aspirations into actionable next steps.”

The Best Apple Watch App: Strava

Smartwatch with silver case and yellow-green silicone band displaying a completed Coastal Trail run with previous and new personal record times. — Strava has won for the best Apple Watch app of the year.

Developer: Strava, Inc
Price: Free (with paid subscription)

Strava has been one of the best and most popular workout apps on the Apple Watch for years. It tracks basic metrics for a wide variety of workouts and sports, but it’s well known for its social element, which allows users to compete and cheer each other on. Also, Strava can now sync with the Apple Watch’s Workout app, making it easier than ever to track workouts.

Apple says: “Strava excels on Apple Watch, connecting a community of athletes with a sleek design and real-time segment tracking.”

The Best iPad App: Detail

Tablet screen showing a video editing app with a podcast episode titled "About Friendship" featuring two people sitting and talking. — Detail, the video editing app, wins for best iPad app.

Developer: Detail Technologies B.V.
Price: $12/month

Detail is a video editing app aimed at entry-level vloggers, video podcasters and other content creators. It harnesses AI tools — such as automatically generating clips, removing unwanted noise, and creating captions — that simplify the video recording and editing process.

Apple says: “Detail’s AI editing tools democratize the video production process for both aspiring and seasoned creators on iPad.”

The Best Mac App: Essayist

Silver laptop displaying a text editing interface with proofreading and rewriting options on a blue and pink ocean-themed background. — Essayist is the winning app for Mac.

Developer: Essayist Software Inc
Price: $10/month

Essayist is a productivity app specifically designed to help students (and other academics) write essays by handling a lot of the formatting and source referencing. Basically, it does all the tedious work so students can spend more time on the actual writing.

Apple says: “Essayist tackles the time-consuming work of formatting academic papers on Mac, powered by AI tools.”

The Best Apple TV App: HBO Max

Black Apple TV box and silver remote in front of a TV screen displaying the Superman movie on HBO Max. — According to the Awards, HBO Max is the best Apple TV app of the year.

Developer: WarnerMedia Global Digital Services, LLC
Price: Subscriptions start at $11/month

HBO Max — yes, it’s no longer just Max — is one of the most popular streaming apps out there. It’s the destination for viewing some of the most popular shows, such as The Last of Us, Succession, House of the Dragon, True Detective, and Euphoria.

Apple says: “HBO Max offers a more inclusive streaming experience with American Sign Language additions and an expansive entertainment lineup.”

The Best Vision Pro App: Explore POV

Virtual reality headset with a black visor below a screen showing a tropical wooden pier and boats over clear turquoise water. — Explore POV transports Vision Pro wearers to some of the world’s most beautiful (and remote) places.

Developer: James Hustler
Price: $10/month

Explore POV is an immersive video app for the Apple Vision Pro that transports wearers to some of the world’s most beautiful places, giving them a 180-degree view. Award-winning videographer James Hustler created the app.

Apple says: “Explore POV on Apple Vision Pro whisks users to the most stunning locations around the world — all in breathtaking Apple Immersive Video.”

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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