Apple has announced the winners and finalists of its 2025 Design Awards, just ahead of the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025. The awards highlight applications that excel in design, innovation, and user experience.
This year's awards emphasize apps from indie developers and startups. Generative AI applications are notably absent from the winners' list for the second year in a row. However, Apple did recognize some AI-enabled apps, such as Moises and Speechify.
Focus on User Experience: Apple prioritizes how developers enhance user experiences using its tools.
Diverse Categories: Awards are given in categories like Delight and Fun, Innovation, Interaction, Inclusivity, and Social Impact.
Global Impact: Winners include apps like Watch Duty, which aided in sharing information during California wildfires.
Innovation Award: Play, a developer prototype tool, won the Innovation category.
Apple's choices reflect a commitment to user-centric innovation, emphasizing accessibility, design, and real-world impact. This approach underscores the importance of thoughtful technology application over mere hype, showcasing that creativity and user experience are paramount in Apple's ecosystem.