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Apple announces App of the Year, Game of the Year, and other Best of 2018 charts

As it does at this time every year, Apple today announced its official Best of 2018 lists. These selections highlight the “best” app and game for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac, as well as the top movies, TV shows, Podcasts, and more. Head below for all of the details.

This year, Apple is crowning Procreate Pocket as the best iPhone app of 2018. This is the iPhone version of the incredibly popular Procreate drawing app for iPad, allowing users to create while on the go with just their iPhone. As for the best iPhone game of the year, Apple is handing that award to Donut Country, a story-based physics puzzle game.

On the iPad side of things, Apple touts Froggipedia as the best iPad app of the year. This is an AR-based app that allows users to dissect a frog without having to actually having to do it in real life. The best iPad game of the year, according to Apple, is Gorogoa, another story-based puzzle game.

On Apple TV, Sweat has been handed the award of app of the year. Sweat is a fitness application that originally gained popularity on the iPhone. The Apple TV game of the year according to Apple is the popular Alto’s Odyssey title.

Last but not least is the Mac, where Apple is crowning Pixelmator Pro as the app of the year and The Gardens Between as the game of the year.

While the Apple Watch doesn’t see as much attention, Apple has highlighted a few of its “favorite” apps. These include Carrot Weather, Overcast, Lifesum, and more.

In addition to the awarded titles, Apple has also shared a rundown of the most downloaded free apps:

  1. YouTube
  2. Instagram
  3. Snapchat
  4. Messenger
  5. Facebook
  6. Bitmoji
  7. Netflix
  8. Google Maps
  9. Gmail
  10. Spotify
  11. Amazon
  12. Uber
  13. WhatsApp
  14. Pandora
  15. Wish
  16. TikTok
  17. Cash App
  18. Google Photos
  19. Google Chrome
  20. Twitter

Here are ether most downloaded games of 2018:

  1. Fortnite
  2. Helix Jump
  3. Rise Up
  4. PUBG Mobile
  5. Hole.io
  6. Love Balls
  7. Snake VS Block
  8. Rules of Survival
  9. Roblox
  10. Dune!
  11. Subway Surfers
  12. Episode – Choose Your Story
  13. Word Link
  14. Toon Blast
  15. Color Road!
  16. HQ Trivia
  17. Twisty Road!
  18. 8 Ball Pool
  19. Kick the Buddy
  20. Sniper 3D Assassin: Gun Games

In addition to app awards, Apple has released its “best music of the year” picks. Artist of the year is awarded to Drake, breakout artist to Juice WRLD, song of the year to “I Like It” by Cardi B feat. Bad Bunny & J. Balvin, and album of the year to “Golden Hour” by Kacey Musgraves. View the top 100 songs and albums here.

Apple’s top “best podcasts” go to titles including In The Dark, Slow Burn, The Daily, Serial, This American Life, and more. View the full charts here.

Apple’s “best movies” include Black Panther, A Star is Born, Crazy Rich Asians, and more. “Best TV shows” include The Good Place, The Americans, The Good Fight, and more. View the full charts here.

Lastly, Apple is celebrating the launch of its new Apple Books Platform by highlighting a handful of titles:

  • Book of the Year: American Marriage
  • Best Nonfiction: The Library Book
  • Best Mystery: The Witch Elm
  • Best Thriller: Light It Up
  • Best Bio/Memoir: Educated
  • Best Romance: Too Wilde to Wed
  • Best Science Fiction/Fantasy: Spinning Silver
  • Best Feel-Good Fiction: When Life Gives You Lululemons
  • Best Literary Fiction: There There
  • Best Young Reader Book: Harbor Me

View Apple’s full announcement here.


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Avatar for Chance Miller Chance Miller

Chance is the editor-in-chief of 9to5Mac, overseeing the entire site’s operations. He also hosts the 9to5Mac Daily and 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcasts.

You can send tips, questions, and typos to chance@9to5mac.com.

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