Apple Design Awards 2026 finalists include Cyberpunk 2077 & Civilization VII

With WWDC 2026 just weeks away, the apps and games nominated for the 2026 Apple Design Awards have been revealed.

Every year, Apple recognizes App Store applications that demonstrate genuine innovation and ingenuity. Through its annual Apple Design Awards, the company highlights its top picks across several app categories, celebrating developers and their creative efforts.

On Monday, all apps that were nominated for the 2026 Apple Design Awards were highlighted. Finalists are organized based on the design aspects Apple deemed particularly impressive, with three apps and three games nominated for each category.

Delight and Fun

"Finalists in this category provide memorable, engaging, and satisfying experiences enhanced by Apple technologies," explains the company's website.

Apps

• Blippo Plus
• Metaballs
• grug

Games

• PowerWash Simulator
• Is This Seat Taken?
• Ball x Pit

Inclusivity

The Inclusivity category celebrates App Store applications that "provide a great experience for all by reflecting a variety of backgrounds, abilities, and languages."

Apps

• Guitar Wiz
• Hearing Buddy
• Structured

Games

• Sago Mini Jinja's Garden
• Pine Hearts
• Civilization VII

Innovation

Finalists chosen for the Innovation category "provide a state-of-the-art experience through a novel use of Apple technologies that sets them apart in their genre."

Apps

• Detail: AI Video Editor
• NBA: Live Games & Scores
• D-Day: The Camera Soldier

Games

• TR-49
• Blue Prince
• Pickle Pro

Interaction

Apple says that apps and games nominated for the Interaction category "deliver intuitive interfaces and effortless controls that are perfectly tailored to their platform."

Apps

• The Outsiders: Athlete Tracker
• Moonlitt: Moon Phase Tracker
• Tide Guide: Charts & Tables

Games

• TR-49
• Sago Mini Jinja's Garden
• Grand Mountain Adventure 2

Social Impact

"Finalists in this category improve lives in a meaningful way and shine a light on crucial issues," explains Apple.

Apps

• Primary: News in Depth
• Katha Room
• Harvee

Games

• Consume Me
• Despelote
• Spilled!

Visuals and Graphics

Apple says finalists in the Visuals and Graphics category "feature stunning imagery, skillfully drawn interfaces, and high-quality animations with a distinctive and cohesive theme."

Apps

• Tide Guide: Charts & Tables
• Caradise
• (Not Boring) Camera

Games

• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
• Arknights: Endfield
• SILT

Triple-A titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Civilization VII are among the titles nominated for an Apple Design Award. Some applications, like TR-49 and Sago Mini Jinja's Garden, were recognized as finalists in two categories.

Though Apple no longer has a dedicated "Spatial Computing" category, visionOS software like Pickle Pro and D-Day: The Camera Soldier still have a chance of winning. Apps for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other platforms were also nominated.

The winners will be revealed at WWDC 2026, which begins on June 8. One app and one game from each category will win a 2026 Apple Design Award.