Apple is known for being particular about what it allows into its App Store, and the company this week released its list of the best apps and games of 2023, as selected by the store's Editorial team. It's more concise than a similar list of top Google Play apps; Apple narrowed down a list of over 40 finalists to 14 winners.
Apple acknowledged AI as the App Store's "Trend of the Year" and curated a collection of generative AI apps that iPhone and iPad owners can use to try out the technology, like ChatGPT. But OpenAI's chatbot is not among Apple's pick for best apps. The company, which is reportedly developing its own AI chatbot, noted the "seismic shift" created by AI this year (today is acutally ChatGPT's first birthday), but was quick to point out the drawbacks, like hallucinations or replies that can be "offensive or socially insensitive."
So which apps made the list? Here's the full rundown:
The Best iPhone App and Game
Best iPhone app: AllTrails, from AllTrails, Inc.
Best iPhone game: Honkai: Star Rail, from COGNOSPHERE PTE. LTD.
The Best iPad App and Game
Best iPad app: Prêt-à-Makeup, from Prêt-à-Template
Best iPad game: Lost in Play, from Snapbreak Games
The Best Mac App and Game
Best Mac app: Photomator, from UAB Pixelmator Team
Best Mac game: Lies of P, from NEOWIZ
Other Best Apps and Games
Best Apple TV app: MUBI, from MUBI, Inc
Best Apple Watch app: SmartGym, from Mateus Abras
Best Apple Arcade game: Hello Kitty Island Adventure, from Sunblink
Cultural Impact Winners
Apple's final selections are what the company calls Cultural Impact winners, which Apple says help drive positive change in the lives of its users. This year's winners include Pok Pok, Proloquo, Too Good To Go, Unpacking, and Finding Hannah, which promote things like inclusivity, alternate communication methods, and minimizing food waste.
