Apple announces the winners of the 2026 Apple Design Awards

Daria Ivanova — 04.06.2026

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.

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.

Interaction

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

Social Impact

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

Visuals and Graphics

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

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.