Apple has revealed the finalists for the 2026 Apple Design Awards ahead of this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference, which starts on June 8. The annual awards recognize standout apps and games across the App Store, with Apple highlighting innovation, design quality, accessibility, interaction, and visual experience.
This year, Apple selected finalists across six categories, with three apps and three games competing in each section. Some titles appear in multiple categories, showing how developers continue pushing Apple platforms in different ways.
Delight and Fun finalists
Apple says this category celebrates apps and games that deliver memorable and satisfying experiences.
Apps:
- Blippo+
- Metaballs
- grug
Games:
- PowerWash Simulator
- Is This Seat Taken?
- Ball x Pit
Inclusivity and Innovation categories
The Inclusivity category focuses on accessibility and experiences designed for a wide range of users and backgrounds.
Apps:
- Guitar Wiz
- Hearing Buddy
- Structured
Games:
- Sago Mini Jinja’s Garden
- Pine Hearts
- Civilization VII
Meanwhile, the Innovation category highlights apps and games that use Apple technologies in unique ways.
Apps:
- Detail: AI Video Editor
- NBA: Live Games & Scores
- D-Day: The Camera Soldier
Games:
- TR-49
- Blue Prince
- Pickle Pro
Interaction, Social Impact, and Visuals
Apple also recognized apps with strong interface design, meaningful real-world impact, and high-quality graphics.
Notable finalists include:
- Tide Guide: Charts & Tables
- Moonlitt: Moon Phase Tracker
- Primary: News in Depth
- Harvee
- Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition
- Arknights: Endfield
- SILT
- (Not Boring) Camera
Apple will announce the winners during WWDC 2026. Each winning team will receive a physical Apple Design Award along with hardware support for future development projects.
