Apple reveals the best apps of 2019

Today Apple revealed the best apps and games and the most powerful trends that drove app culture in 2019. Apps help simplify our lives and express our creativity, connect us to friends, family and the world beyond, and of course, have fun. In 2019, apps made their mark by reflecting the zeitgeist of our society and sitting at the nexus of digital and pop culture.

This year, Spectre Camera from Lux Optics was named the best iPhone app. Spectre Camera was developed by the creators of the popular Halide camera app. It uses AI technology to capture professional photos with long exposure in a fast and straightforward way.

For the iPad, the first place went to the Flow app created by Moleskine. It’s an advanced drawing tool that offers various types of brushes for users to take notes or even make incredible drawings. Flow has customizable gestures and unique combinations of strokes and colors.

“Developers around the world inspire us all with innovative apps that have the power to influence culture and change our lives, and this year that is as true as ever. The 2019 App Store Best Apps and Games winners reflect our global desire for connection, creativity and fun,” said Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “We are excited to announce such a diverse group of 2019 App Store winners, showing that great design and creativity comes from developers large and small, and from every corner of the world. We congratulate all the winners and thank them for making 2019 the best year yet for the App Store.”

Best Apps of 2019

App Trend of 2019: Storytelling Simplified

In 2019, a groundswell of apps helped us fill the proverbial blank page with our memories, dreams, images, and voices—and did so with more power and personality than ever. With apps like Anchor (Anchor FM), Canva: Stories & Video Maker (Canva), Unfold (Unfold Creative), Steller (Expedition Travel Advisor), Spark Camera (Dayworks), Over (Over, Inc) and Wattpad (Wattpad Corp), anyone can express themselves through moving podcasts, one-of-a-kind novels, and true-to-life photo collages in an easier way than ever before.

Best Games of 2019

iPhone Game of the Year: “Sky: Children of the Light” (thatgamecompany)

Fly across sweeping landscapes to help celestial beings find their way back to the heavens in this groundbreaking social quest.

 

iPad Game of the Year: “Hyper Light Drifter” (Abylight S.L.)

A dazzling, action-packed reimagining of classic 16-bit adventure games, “Hyper Light Drifter” blends dreamlike exploration with fight-for-your-life survival.

Mac Game of the Year: “GRIS” (Devolver / Nomada Studio)

This spectacularly satisfying puzzle-platformer is a soul-stirring work of digital art — one that explores hope, grief and the triumph of piecing a life back together after tragic loss.

Apple TV Game of the Year: “Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap” (DotEmu)

Developed by Lizardcube with the cooperation of series creator Ryuichi Nishizawa, “Wonder Boy” — the beloved game from the ’80s, in which a lone half-lizard adventurer sets off on the challenge of a lifetime — gets a reboot with hand-drawn animation and a re-orchestrated soundtrack.

Game Trend of 2019: Blockbusters Reimagined

This year, game developers worldwide burst onto iOS with a wave of world-renowned brands, all featuring leading-edge technology, bold design and innovative features that delivered a level of depth and quality never thought possible on mobile. Hits like “Mario Kart Tour” and “Dr. Mario World” (Nintendo), “Minecraft Earth” (Mojang), “Pokémon Masters” (DeNA Co), “Assassin’s Creed Rebellion” (Ubisoft), “Gears POP!” (Microsoft Corporation), “The Elder Scrolls: Blades” (Bethesda), Alien: Blackout (D3PA) and “Call of Duty: Mobile” (Activision Publishing) aren’t mere remakes or tributes — they are original releases that breathed new life into the most beloved franchises in gaming history.

Apple Arcade Game of the Year: “Sayonara Wild Hearts” (Simogo)

In 2019, Apple expanded the App Store with the introduction of an all-new tab for Apple Arcade, a groundbreaking game subscription service without ads or in-app purchases. While every one of the 100+ games in Apple Arcade offers gamers something unique, there is one game that stands out even within this collection of outstanding titles, making it the Apple Arcade Game of the Year. “Sayonara Wild Hearts,” developed by Simogo and published by Annapurna Interactive, is a hopeful, gorgeous and unique game — the kind that gets your adrenaline pumping and makes your spirit soar. Prepare to race motorcycles, wield swords and break hearts at 200 mph.

Beyond the App Store editorial picks, Apple also announced charts for the most downloaded apps and most downloaded games of the year.

With the App Store, Apple ignited a worldwide app phenomenon that has revolutionized the way people work, connect, learn and play. The App Store drives the app economy and has earned $120 billion for developers worldwide. Today, the App Store is the world’s safest and most vibrant app marketplace, with over half a billion people visiting each week. Privacy, security, quality and curation are fundamental to the App Store. Every app must meet and maintain Apple’s strict guidelines to launch and remain on the App Store. For enhanced discoverability, experts create rich editorial content and curated collections of the best apps every day. The App Store is the single best place to explore the world of apps, and is available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and iMessage.