Apple unveiled the finalists for its 2026 Design Awards ahead of WWDC 2026. The shortlist features three apps and three games in each of seven categories, ranging from Delight and Fun to Visuals and Graphics. High‑profile titles such as Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Civilization VII sit alongside indie favorites, reflecting the breadth of the App Store ecosystem for iPhone, iPad and Mac platforms.

Judges praised finalists for leveraging Apple technologies—AI‑powered video editing, visionOS tools, and precise haptic feedback—to deliver novel experiences. Categories like Innovation and Interaction spotlight apps such as Detail: AI Video Editor and Pickle Pro, while the Inclusivity group honors titles that support diverse languages and abilities. Some entries, including TR‑49, earned nods in multiple categories.

Apple will announce one winning app and one winning game per category at the June 8 keynote, awarding developers with trophies, hardware, and promotional placement on the App Store. The mix of blockbuster franchises and niche creations underscores how the awards serve both marketing muscle and genuine design excellence, reinforcing the App Store’s role as a launchpad for innovative software on iPhone, iPad and visionOS.