Apple has officially announced the winners and finalists of its 2025 Design Awards, spotlighting excellence in app development just days before the highly anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The selection emphasizes indie developers and startups, notably sidelining the generative AI trend for the second consecutive year.
A Shift Away from Generative AI
While the tech industry remains fixated on generative AI, Apple’s latest awards list tells a different story. The Cupertino giant has once again prioritized craftsmanship, user experience, and the innovative application of its development tools over AI-centric hype. However, the company did recognize apps that integrate AI features for practical utility, such as the text-to-speech platform Speechify and the music production tool Moises.
From @Apple: "Speechify is more than a great app; it’s a critical resource that helps people live their lives."
A big thanks to our friends @Apple & proud the @SpeechifyAI team for winning this year’s 2025 Apple Design Award in the lead up to WWDC. https://t.co/t7k8nQK7HD
— Rohan Pavuluri (@RPavuluri) June 3, 2025
Recognizing Global Innovation and Impact
The 2025 awards honor 12 winners across six distinct categories: Delight and Fun, Innovation, Interaction, Inclusivity, Social Impact, and Visuals and Graphics. A significant portion of this year’s finalists highlights the work of small-scale developers globally.
Among the standout winners is Watch Duty, which secured the Social Impact award for its role in delivering real-time information during California wildfires. In the Innovation category, the prototyping tool Play was recognized for its sophisticated development interface.
Huge news — Play has won the Apple Design Award for Innovation!
To be recognized by @Apple — the company whose platforms have inspired so much of what we’re building — is an incredible honor.
Immensely proud of our incredible team and so grateful to all the designers, teams,… pic.twitter.com/wp9WeuGcHZ
— Play (@createwithplay) June 3, 2025
Full List of 2025 Apple Design Award Winners
Delight and Fun
Inclusivity
Innovation
Interaction
Social Impact
Visuals and Graphics