Apple announces the winners of the 2026 Apple Design Awards

Apple has unveiled the recipients of its annual Apple Design Awards for 2026, naming 12 winners chosen from a shortlist of 36 finalists.

The awards span six categories — Delight and Fun, Inclusivity, Innovation, Interaction, Social Impact, and Visuals and Graphics — with one app and one game honored in each. This year's winning developers range from major studios to small independent teams.

Delight and Fun

This category recognizes apps and games that deliver memorable, engaging experiences enhanced by Apple's technologies.

• App: grug by Ocho (Netherlands)
• Game: Is This Seat Taken? by Poti Poti Studio (Spain)

Inclusivity

Honors projects that work for users of all backgrounds, abilities, and languages.

• App: Guitar Wiz by Bijoy Thangaraj (India)
• Game: Pine Hearts by Hyper Luminal Games Limited (United Kingdom)

Innovation

Awarded to projects that push Apple's platforms in new directions, often using technologies in ways that set them apart from competitors in their genre.

• App: NBA: Live Games & Scores by NBA Media Ventures, LLC (United States)
• Game: Blue Prince by Dogubomb (United States)

Interaction

Recognizes apps and games with interfaces and controls that feel intuitive and natural on Apple's hardware.

• App: Moonlitt: Moon Phase Tracker by Flipping Hues Srls (Italy)
• Game: Sago Mini Jinja's Garden by Sago Mini (Canada)

Social Impact

Awarded to projects that address meaningful issues or improve users' lives in tangible ways.

• App: Primary: News in Depth by Wood Metal Rocks LLC (United States)
• Game: Consume Me by Jenny Jiao Hsia and AP Thomson (United States)

Visuals and Graphics

Recognizes apps and games with exceptional artwork, animation, and visual identity.

• App: Tide Guide: Charts & Tables by Condor Digital (United States)
• Game: Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition by CD Projekt S.A. (Poland)

Beyond the 12 winners, Apple also highlighted 24 additional finalists that made it to the final round of consideration. The full breakdown of each project, along with details about the development teams behind them, is available on Apple's official newsroom page.