- By Prateek Levi
- Tue, 19 May 2026 09:57 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Apple has officially revealed the finalists for the Apple Design Awards 2026, giving a closer look at some of the most creative and visually impressive apps and games currently available across the company’s ecosystem. This year’s edition is especially notable because it marks 30 years of the Design Awards, an annual event that highlights standout work from developers building experiences for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Vision Pro devices.
The awards are divided into six categories this year: Delight and Fun, Inclusivity, Innovation, Interaction, Social Impact, and Visuals and Graphics. Winners are expected to be announced around the time of Worldwide Developers Conference 2026, which is scheduled to run from June 8 to June 12.
In the Delight and Fun category, Apple has shortlisted apps that focus on engaging and entertaining experiences. Finalists include Blippo+, a retro-futuristic streaming app for macOS, Metaballs for visionOS, and the daily affirmations app Grug. On the gaming side, PowerWash Simulator, Is This Seat Taken, and Ball x Pit are competing in the same category.
The Inclusivity category recognises apps and games designed to make experiences more accessible for a wider range of users. Apps like Guitar Wiz, Hearing Buddy, and Structured have made the cut, while games including Sago Mini Jinja's Garden, Pine Hearts, and Civilization VII are also among the finalists.
Apple’s Innovation category focuses on experiences that push technology or creativity forward. Apps such as Detail: AI Video Editor, NBA: Live Games & Scores, and D-Day: The Camera Soldier are competing for top honours. On the other hand, TR-49, Blue Prince, and Pickle Pro have been selected as finalists in the games category.
Regarding the Interaction category, Apple is focusing on applications and games that provide intuitive control and user interfaces for specific devices. Some of the finalists in this category include The Outsiders: Athlete Tracker, Moonlitt: Moon Phase Tracker, and Tide Guide: Charts & Tables. The games being considered in this category include TR-49, Sago Mini Jinja's Garden, and Grand Mountain Adventure 2.
In the Social Impact category, the nominees are those applications and games that create change or help raise awareness about certain issues. Some of the nominations for this category include Primary: News in Depth, Katha Room, and Harvee, along with games such as Consume Me, Despelote, and Spilled.
Lastly, the Visuals and Graphics category recognizes outstanding visual designs and animations. Apps like Tide Guide: Charts & Tables, Caradise, and (Not Boring) Camera are among the finalists, while Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition, Arknights: Endfield, and SILT represent the gaming side of the category.
Last year, Play and PBJ won in the Innovation category for app and game design, respectively. This year’s finalists once again show Apple’s growing focus on polished design, accessibility, creativity, and immersive user experiences across its platforms.