Apple has once again made its stance clear in the debate over AI’s dominance in the app ecosystem. On Monday, the tech giant unveiled its list of finalists for the 2024 iPhone App of the Year award. True to its recent trends, Apple has spotlighted apps that focus on creativity, productivity, and user empowerment, rather than those heavily leveraging AI.
This marks a notable omission of AI-first apps like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude, and Microsoft’s Copilot, despite their growing popularity and influence.
Creativity Over Automation: What Made Apple’s List?
The iPhone App of the Year finalists showcase apps designed to enhance user experiences by simplifying tasks, encouraging creativity, or improving productivity:
- Kino: A professional-grade video recording app by the creators of Halide.
- Runna: An app tailored to creating personalized running plans.
- Tripsy: A travel organizer that streamlines trip planning.
These apps stand out for helping users directly leverage their iPhones as tools for personal and professional growth, rather than relying on AI automation to do the heavy lifting.
The AI Elephant in the Room
Given the meteoric rise of AI-powered apps like ChatGPT, their absence from Apple’s top honors has left many scratching their heads. ChatGPT, which partnered with Apple for Siri enhancements in 2024, added several groundbreaking features this year, including:
- Advanced Voice Mode: A conversational feature offering near-human interactions.
- Integrated Web Search: A capability challenging Google’s search dominance.
Despite these innovations and its recognition as the fastest-growing consumer app in history — reaching 100 million users just months after its 2023 launch — ChatGPT remains conspicuously absent from Apple’s major accolades.
While AI apps like Moises, EF Hello, and Adobe Lightroom were acknowledged in other categories, their recognition feels more like exceptions to the rule.
Why Apple Continues to Sidestep AI
Apple’s choices seem intentional. Its curated list leans toward apps fostering human creativity and skill-building rather than AI-driven automation. This reflects a broader trend where Apple champions apps that empower users to do more with their devices independently.
For example:
- Moises: Helps musicians refine their craft with AI-powered practice tools.
- Bluey: Let’s Play: Encourages interactive learning for kids.
- Procreate Dreams: Elevates creativity through animation tools on the iPad.
Even in the new Apple Vision Pro category, apps and games are celebrated for their immersive and creative experiences rather than for their reliance on AI.
Is Apple Missing the Bigger Picture?
While Apple’s focus on creativity resonates with its brand ethos, some argue that sidelining AI-centric apps could risk alienating a growing segment of its user base. AI apps like ChatGPT are transforming industries, from education to business, by automating mundane tasks and offering groundbreaking features.
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Moreover, competitors like Google have shown a willingness to embrace AI innovations. This year, Google named Partiful, a party-planning app with AI-enhanced features, as its App of the Year.
A Glimpse at the Future
Apple’s strategy underscores a preference for apps that inspire human ingenuity over machine-driven solutions. However, as AI becomes increasingly intertwined with how we work, play, and create, it’s worth asking: Will Apple eventually adjust its criteria to reflect AI’s undeniable impact on our digital lives?
For now, it seems the company is sticking to its guns, championing tools that celebrate human creativity. Whether this approach evolves in the coming years remains to be seen.
Table: Highlights of 2024 Apple App Finalists
| Category | App | Notable Feature |
| iPhone App of the Year | Kino | Professional-grade video recording tools |
| iPhone App of the Year | Runna | Customized running plans |
| iPhone App of the Year | Tripsy | Intuitive trip organization |
| iPad App of the Year | Procreate Dreams | Advanced animation capabilities |
| Mac App of the Year | Adobe Lightroom | AI-powered photo editing |
| Cultural Impact | EF Hello | AI-driven language learning |
Apple’s 2024 finalists serve as a reminder: It’s not just about what tech can do for us, but how we use tech to grow, learn, and create.
