Apple has released its list of the best apps and games, and we now have insight into its plans for 2026.

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      Apple announces its selection of the top apps and games of 2025: Highlights include AI, immersive video, and significant victories for Mac gaming.

      Apple has just released its list of the best apps and games of 2025, choosing 17 winners from a pool of 45 finalists. The company states that these selections excel in design, technology, and cultural significance. The list encompasses a wide range of categories – from productivity and creative applications to fitness trackers and games available on devices from the iPhone to the Vision Pro.

      Tim Cook delivered the customary remarks about these apps “enriching people’s lives,” but looking beyond the promotional language, the winners reflect current trends in technology. The emphasis is on AI assisting with productivity, more engaging video experiences, and gaming increasingly becoming a staple on Mac and mixed reality platforms.

      Among the apps, Tiimo was recognized for its use of AI to aid users in visually planning their schedules and achieving large goals. Detail has made video editing significantly less daunting on the iPad, while Essayist serves as a valuable resource for students, automating tedious academic formatting on the Mac. Explore POV on the Vision Pro is redefining travel by immersing users in experiences through captivating video.

      Strava was acknowledged for its exceptional Apple Watch integration, and HBO Max received praise for incorporating American Sign Language content, greatly improving accessibility.

      For gamers, Pokémon TCG Pocket stood out for making card battles feel organic on mobile devices. DREDGE introduced its eerie yet cozy fishing mystery on the iPad, and Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition’s success on Mac showcases that Apple Silicon can effectively run demanding AAA games.

      Why It Matters & What’s Next

      Apple’s awards typically serve as a reliable indicator of the company's priorities. This year, the focus is evident: showcasing AI functionalities, demonstrating that Macs are capable of gaming, and generating enthusiasm for the Vision Pro.

      For everyday users, this list functions less as a competition ranking and more as a thoughtfully curated discovery tool. Given the abundance of apps available, these are the ones Apple deems worthy of your attention. For developers, receiving one of these awards is essentially a ticket to increased downloads.

      While Apple has not introduced any major new initiatives alongside the awards, it is likely that throughout 2025, the company will continue to emphasize these same themes: enhanced AI integration, more immersive video experiences, and a more cohesive ecosystem across all devices.

      Moinak Pal has been covering consumer technology and automotive tech for several years.

      Android phones can alert you if you access financial apps during scam calls.

      Google is enhancing its in-call scam protection on Android to safeguard users during crucial calls involving financial or payment applications. When Android detects that you are on a call with an unrecognized number and you open a compatible financial app, it will activate a protective warning.

      Your phone can now identify texts that appear to be scams.

      Google is implementing new protective features for Android users, specifically training Circle to Search and Google Lens to identify scam messages directly on your screen. With messaging apps facing an influx of sophisticated scams—from fraudulent "delivery fee" requests to dubious promises of free money—Google is taking steps to help users spot these scams at a glance.

      Your notifications have become smarter and quieter with Google’s recent update.

      Google has rolled out Android 16 QPR2, its second significant update of the year, which marks a major change in how enhancements are delivered to our phones. The era of waiting for a massive "Android 17" release every fall is over. Google has officially transitioned to providing two substantial updates each year: one focused on platform improvements, followed by a feature-rich update like this one. Currently, this update is being released on Pixel devices, with Samsung, OnePlus, and other brands expected to follow suit soon (likely with updates like One UI 8.5). This update is more than a simple bug fix; it features substantial improvements, including AI-driven notification summaries, a smart Notifications Organizer that declutters your shade, auto-themed icons that align with your wallpaper, and a significantly enhanced dark mode.