Apple announced a curated list titled The best games and applications worthy of the App Store Award 2023, highlighting standout software across devices. The selection recognizes the best experiences built for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch, reflecting the evolving ways people in Canada and the United States use technology to explore, create, and connect.
Among the honors, AllTrails earned top recognition as the leading iPhone app for discovering walking and cycling routes around the world. The app’s strength lies in its expansive library of trails, clear navigation, and community-driven insights that help travelers and locals alike plan outdoor adventures with confidence. Prêt-à-Makeup for iPad showcases style experimentation, letting users try diverse makeup looks and save their ideas as sketches for later reflection or sharing with friends. Photomator, an AI-powered photo editor, received the Mac award for delivering speedy, image-enhancing capabilities that appeal to creators who want crisp edits and creative options without a steep learning curve. MUBI and SmartGym were selected as the best applications for Apple TV and Apple Watch respectively, underscoring how streaming and fitness experiences are becoming seamless across screens and wearables.
The best iPhone game of 2023 went to Honkai: Star Rail, a title from the studio behind Genshin Impact that blends anime-inspired visuals with strategic combat and exploration. On the iPad side, Lost in Play earned the top spot, offering a charming puzzle-adventure that emphasizes storytelling and cooperative play. For Mac, Lies of P captivated players with its darker reimagining of a classic tale and its action-RPG mechanics, delivering a cinematic experience that resonates with fans of narrative-driven games. The Apple Arcade crown went to Hello Kitty Island Adventure, inviting players to guide the beloved character through a playful island filled with exploration and light-hearted tasks that appeal to players of all ages.
Alongside these top picks, Apple highlighted five titles that have left a meaningful cultural imprint and driven positive societal change. Pok Pok and Proloquo received recognition for their contributions to accessibility and inclusive technology, while Too Good To Go and Unpacking were celebrated for their roles in addressing food waste and mindful unpacking experiences, respectively. Finding Hannah was noted for its impact within the discourse on personal stories and advocacy through interactive media, illustrating how games and apps can spark conversation and empathy across communities in North America.
Historically, these distinctions complement the Android arena, where similar recognitions have celebrated the breadth of mobile and desktop experiences. The 2023 award cycle itself reflects a broader trend toward apps that blend utility, creativity, and social relevance, encouraging developers to craft tools that help people live better, explore more freely, and engage with others in meaningful ways. This snapshot of popular software from the App Store reinforces how digital ecosystems evolve—driven by user feedback, platform capabilities, and a shared appetite for entertaining, yet purposeful technology that fits into everyday life.
In summary, the 2023 awards illuminate a year when devices across the Apple lineup became more than tools. They turned into companions for outdoor adventures, creative expression, cinematic storytelling, and communal play. The awardees demonstrate how software can elevate ordinary moments into something memorable, inspiring both creators and users to explore new experiences with confidence and curiosity. The enduring message is clear: quality software that speaks to real needs and aspirations remains at the heart of a thriving digital landscape, whether on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, or an Apple Watch on the wrist of a busy North American user.