Apple names 2025 Design Awards winners

In a prelude to its upcoming Worldwide Developer Conference 2025 (WWDC), Apple has unveiled the winners and finalists of its annual Design Awards, spotlighting a diverse array of applications. This year, the emphasis was placed on indie developers and startups, with a notable absence of generative AI applications from the awards roster for the second consecutive year. Despite this, Apple did recognize a couple of apps that incorporate AI elements, including Speechify, which took home the award in the Inclusivity category, and Moises, a music creation and editing app, both of which are supported by venture capital. Apple’s commitment to showcasing how developers leverage its tools to enhance user experiences remains steadfast. A total of 12 awards were distributed, featuring one app and one game in each of the six categories: Delight and Fun, Innovation, Interaction, Inclusivity, and Social Impact. This year’s finalists saw a significant representation from small developers worldwide. Among the highlights, Watch Duty, an app that played a crucial role in disseminating information during California’s wildfires, won in the Social Impact category. Additionally, the developer tool Play, backed by M13, was recognized for Innovation, marking a significant achievement for the team. In their announcement, Apple emphasized the transformative role of apps like Speechify, describing it as a vital resource that enhances lives. The complete list of winners reflects Apple’s ongoing support for innovation and creativity in app development.